Out with the old in with the new. Natchitoches Parish Fire District 9 replaced its 2007 F350 rescue truck with a 2019 F550. The new rescue vehicle will be housed in the central station in Campti. FD9 is still waiting on a few tools to fully equip the new truck. The old rescue has been moved to the Fairview station and FD9 will now run two rescue trucks to help on response times for the north side of the district.
The Ben D. Johnson Educational Center (BDJ Center), a non-profit organization located in west Natchitoches, has made many strides since opening its doors January 18, 2019.
LEGACY CAFÉ
Many Natchitoches residents may not know that the Café is a part of the Ben D. Johnson Education Center and functions as the hands-on training environment for the Legacy Youth Workforce Development Program. The fresh, made-from-scratch menu offers breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, 7AM to 2PM. All proceeds from the Café supports the Legacy Youth Workforce Development Program.
LEGACY YOUTH WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Legacy Youth Workforce Development Program serves young people ages 17 – 24, who are out of work and out of school. The program offers job readiness and culinary training; and provides support to help students overcome their barriers to getting and keeping a job. In addition, participants receive a stipend and get breakfast and lunch daily.
In June, the BDJ Center was approved by the Louisiana Board of Regents and is now a Licensed Proprietary School. The responsibility of a proprietary school is to prepare individuals for gainful employment.
This allows the BDJ Center to build a strong working relationship with the Workforce Commission and ultimately help young people in the community enter and remain in the workforce and have more self-sufficient lives.
The next class starts September 9 and runs through December 30. We are currently recruiting to fill 10 openings. We are accepting applications July 22 – July 26 Monday through Friday between 1PM and 4PM. Call for further enrollment dates and times.
YOU CAN GET INVOLVED IN ONE OR MORE WAYS:
Donate to the program at the Center’s website http://www.BDJCenter.org
Like the Center’s Facebook pages BDJCenter and 400MLK
Patronize the Café located 400 MLK Drive, Suite J or make an online order for delivery at http://www.ezstreetdelivery.com
Use the Café for your office lunches, plant events and private parties
Become a Partner – hire students upon graduation
Volunteer at the center
Refer potential participant
For additional information call 318-460-7460.
Pictured above from left are Shannon Tucker- Community Resources VISTA, Keyairra Mitchell- Participant, Dallas Russell-Executive Director, Christian Anderson- Participant, Jamarcus Jackson- Participant, Blaine Banghart- Volunteer, Phoenix Pichon- Participant.
RAPIDES PARISH:
Bertha Anne Hopewell
November 4, 1930 – July 20, 2019
Service: Monday, July 22 at 10 am at St. Rita Catholic Church
Cmdr. (Ret) Richard Anthony Kelly
November 5, 1941 – July 19, 2019
Service: Tuesday, July 23 at 10 am at Mary, Mother of Jesus Catholic Church in Woodworth
Reba Phelps, Agency Manager for BOM Financial Services, is a 2019 Graduate of the Louisiana Bankers Association Leadership School. Phelps attended the instructor lead course as well as online work over the last five months to complete the graduation requirements. The course covered topics such as: “Leadership for High Performance Organizations, Performance Management, Communications, Relationship Selling and Building Effective Teams”. Phelps has been with BOM Financial Services for the past 13 years and in the insurance industry for over 25 years.
“I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend these classes and the investment that BOM makes into their employees by encouraging continuing education,” says Phelps.
The classes are held twice a year in Baton Rouge at the Louisiana Bankers Association and the purpose is growing generations of leaders. Pictured with Phelps isLBA Board Chairman Gary Littlefield of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company.
By Holly Penta
Laura Friedel was put on this Earth to be a teacher, according to her husband. He saw her love for kids and suggested that she go into teaching, which was something she hadn’t even considered. This was clearly a promising idea, as Friedel has been teaching for 29 years and loves everything about it. Currently, she teaches 3rd grade at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Natchitoches. Teaching 3rd grade requires her to teach all subjects including math, science, social studies, and English Language Arts (ELA).
Her favorite subject to teach is reading, because she sees the most growth there. On the other hand, most students like science or math the best. Friedel knows they like the hands-on nature of science and math and love the projects.
Throughout her career she’s taught kindergarten through 5th grade, but thoroughly enjoys teaching 3rd grade. Third graders, who are usually 8 or 9 years old, are old enough to be more independent, but still young enough that Friedel can watch great change and growth in their learning.
Friedel believes that teaching comes from the heart and that students need to see enthusiasm from their teacher. “When the students know you truly love and care for them, they can exceed even the highest expectations,” she said. Her favorite part of teaching is seeing students progress, especially seeing non-reading students become increasingly confident in their reading skills. “There are no limits that can be put on a student’s potential,” she said. Friedel also loves to see students reach new goals. She wakes up every morning excited to get to do what she loves, even going as far as to say, “There is not a single thing I don’t like about teaching.”
As she teaches, Friedel makes sure that she spends time with each individual student, asking them questions, and boosting those who need extra help while pushing those students who need a challenge. Her class gives the students the chance to work in small groups, use manipulatives, and play games. The students encourage, help, and truly care for each other.
Friedel is a wonderful example to potential future teachers and she encourages them to do what they love and love what they do. Although teaching requires a lot of work and does not provide monetary rewards, she says, “It’s worth every minute.”
The Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce hosted an informative presentation on the ins and outs of running for office on the local level Thursday, July 18. Chamber president Laura Lyles emceed the event introducing the speakers and giving a brief statement on why the Chamber of Commerce has traditionally taken an interest in the local political scene. The chamber, in her words, supports “positions, not people” and does not endorse individual candidates. The chamber does support policies that aid in the growth and economic development of our community. The chamber supports civic engagement, people taking action to make their community a better place. Good people running for offices at every level of government is an integral part of civic engagement.
Natchitoches resident, past Chamber of Commerce president, and BESE Board District 4 Representative, Tony Davis, then spoke about the experience of campaigning for office. Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court told the audience about some of the nuts and bolts of running for office such as filing fees and requirements, deadlines and the overall process. All too many elections pass by with abysmally low rates of voter turnout. All too many races are decided by default as no one steps up to challenge an incumbent. The key to a better Natchitoches stares back at us every morning in the bathroom mirror. Don’t complain, do something!
Westside Baptist Church of Natchitoches hosted over 300 ladies Thursday night, July 18, for its annual Ladies Night Out. The ladies were treated to dinner made using recipes from “Cookin With Westside”, the church’s most recently published cookbook comprised of over 800 recipes.
Picture Perfect Selfies was on-site and set up their photo booth for the ladies to take fun and memorable pictures with old and new friends. The Westside Praise Team led the ladies in a time of worship of contemporary and traditional worship songs followed by many door prizes which included gifts from local businesses. The night would not be complete without a visit from the “Beverly Hillbillies.” The Westside Movie Stars were entertaining, but managed to convey the message of Ephesians 4:1 to live a life worthy of the calling you have received in a short skit for the attendees.
Everyone was encouraged as you go through the busyness of life and times get tough, you are to live a life worthy of the Lord’s calling. As a child of God you are His, Worthy, Adored, Chosen, Redeemed, and Loved. What a great way to spend a Thursday night in fun and fellowship with other believers.
POSITION: Utility Department – Electrician
DESCRIPTION: Performs skilled work in the operation, maintenance and repair of electrical systems and equipment. Operates a variety of specialized related equipment.
QUALIFICATIONS: Performs skilled work in the reconstruction, maintaining and repairing electrical systems and equipment and lift stations. Inspects, test, calibrates and adjusts various controls or meters used in electrical, water and sewer systems. Working knowledge of design, layout, assembly, installation, testing and maintenance of electrical systems. Working Knowledge of low voltage systems, control wiring and the ability to understand high voltage systems.
EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Two (2) years related experience.
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 www.natchitochesla.gov
Deadline for application: Applications will be accepted – Through: July 25, 2019
The City is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
A bit of a unique situation in Cooperstown, New York, on Sunday will shine the spotlight on a pair of Northwestern State athletic programs.
When Lee Smith enters the National Baseball Hall of Fame, most naturally will assume the Demons baseball program was the genesis for Smith’s professional career, which ended with him as Major League Baseball’s all-time saves leader.
Instead, Smith’s tenure at Northwestern was spent in Prather Coliseum playing basketball. While Smith left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball – one that will be honored in perpetuity beginning with Sunday’s 12:30 p.m. CDT induction ceremonies – his short time on the Demons basketball team left memories as well. The event will air live on MLB Network.
“I remember playing against him when I was a senior in college and he was a freshman,” current Demons men’s basketball coach Mike McConathy said. “I don’t remember the game, but I saw him play the next couple of years. His athleticism was incredible. Now, he’s in the baseball Hall of Fame. It’s a tribute to the great athlete he was, and more importantly, to his dedication to maintain a high, high level of play over such a long period of time. What he did was done under a different style where he didn’t get as many opportunities as they do today.”
Smith joins former Demon tight end Jackie Smith as former Northwestern State athletes inducted into national Hall of Fames.
Smith retired with a then-MLB record 478 saves, a mark that still ranks third all-time trailing only fellow 2019 inductee Mariano Rivera (652) and 2018 inductee Trevor Hoffman (601). He entered the Hall via the Today’s Game Era Committee, which also led to the enshrinement of Harold Baines this year.
Despite playing basketball at Northwestern State, Smith’s baseball talent was clear.
He began his pro career in 1975, going 6-2 for the Chicago Cubs Rookie League team, and then pitched at Class A Pompano Beach in 1976 before averaging 3.4 points and 1.8 rebounds per game for the Demons, who finished 17-9 in the 1976-77 season under Hildebrand.
“You have to be proud of him,” Hildebrand said. “You’re talking about a youngster who went from Castor High School to the Hall of Fame. It’s a proud moment for someone when you know where they came from and what they’ve done. He took his God-given ability and did a lot with it.”
Smith’s God-given athletic ability also came with a pair of massive hands that remain embedded in Derwood Duke’s mind.
“He had hands that could wrap around two baseballs,” said Duke, an assistant basketball coach who helped recruit Smith to Northwestern State. “He was a tremendous rebounder for us that year. We thoroughly enjoyed having Lee.”
Duke said he had to recruit Smith’s mother as much as the 6-foot-5 forward/right-handed pitcher.
What started with Smith’s decision to play basketball at Northwestern State eventually morphed into a career that saw him become the fourth major league pitcher to appear in 1,000 games and a total of 29 wins above replacement. A 2004 Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer, Smith notched four league-leading saves totals and finished in the top four in the National League Cy Young voting in 1991 and 1992.
“Even before Cooperstown bestowed the highest of all MLB honors upon Lee Arthur Smith, his name ranked among the greatest of any athlete to ever don an NSU uniform,” Northwestern State Director of Athletics Greg Burke said. “Now, he is deservedly in even more elite company alongside the likes of pro and college football hall of famers and USA Olympians. I speak on behalf of NSU and its athletic program in congratulating Lee Arthur on this marvelous accomplishment and want him to know how proud everyone in Demonland is of him now and always have been.”
By Randall Mallette, County Agent
Weed control is one of the most important considerations in the home garden. Weeds compete with desirable plants for space, nutrients, and light. When weeds become established, yields are decreased, and insect pests become more abundant. Additionally, if weeds go to seed, you are allowing the weed to spread and causing more headache for yourself in the future. For example, a single mature pigweed plant is capable of producing up to 600,000 seeds. For this reason, weeds require immediate action.
There are many methods that are used to control weeds. Many times, daily hoeing keeps them under control without the use of chemicals. Cultivation with a tiller is also commonly used. The problem posed by mechanical removal is that many broadleaf weeds and grasses simply form new plants from the pieces that are chopped up, exacerbating the existing problem.
Chemical control has may advantages over mechanical control. It is less time consuming to spray rather than hoe or till, and spraying is much less labor intensive than mechanical removal. However, the use of chemical controls requires careful timing, correct mixing, and accurate application. When using herbicides, you must be sure that the weeds are the only thing being affected by the herbicide. Products containing glyphosate will affect desirable plants as well as weeds. Grass killers such as sethoxydim will only kill grasses, so it should not be used on corn. Additionally, there are pre-harvest intervals with every spray that must be followed.
The ideal situation is to not have weeds growing in the garden at all. If there are no weeds, there’s no need for mechanical removal or chemical treatment. Using a pre-emerge in the garden cuts back on the weed-related workload. These products keep weed seeds from germinating. One of the commonly available pre-emerge products is Preen. When using pre-emerge products in the garden, you must read the label to determine how to apply and incorporate it, and what crops it may be used on. Some crops must be transplanted, while others may be able to grow through the pre-emerge from seed.
For more information contact Randall Mallette, County Agent, at the local LSU AgCenter Extension Office 318-357-2224. You can also visit us at 624 Second St, Natchitoches.
For the 20th year, members of Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Omicron Chapter at Northwestern State University welcomed the Journey of Hope cycling team to Louisiana on their cross-country trek on behalf of people with disabilities.
Each Summer since the chapter re-organized 20 years ago, student members, alumni, friends, and family have celebrated the arrival of The Ability Experience to the Bayou State.
The Journey of Hope team, consisting of 20 cyclist and six crew members, arrived at Shriners Hospital in Shreveport on Tuesday, July 16, after a 75 mile bike ride from Longview, Texas, as part of a 4,370-mile cycling event across the country. The Journey of Hope team consists of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity men from across the country. The team will cycle an average of 75 miles per day ending at the United States Capitol on August 10. Every cyclist commits to raising a minimum of $6,000 on behalf of people with disabilities.
Beta Omicron Chapter alumnus George Etheredge, who is also a Shriner, organized a barbecue luncheon for the cyclists, patients and visitors. Student members of the Beta Omicron Chapter served up barbecue chicken, sausage, beans, potato salad, watermelon and cookies, before participating in a friendship visit with the children receiving treatment at the hospital.
This group is one of three Journey of Hope teams that have committed their summer to support people with disabilities through community events, advocacy presentations and grant support.
Several members of the Beta Omicron Chapter have also completed the Journey of Hope in recent years.
The mission of The Ability Experience is to use shared experiences to support people with disabilities and develop the men of Pi Kappa Phi into servant leaders. The Ability Experience is the national philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi. Along with the Journey of Hope, The Ability Experience also builds amenities at camps for people with disabilities and host events with local partners at Pi Kappa Phi’s 185 chapters across the country.
Founded in 1977, the Ability Experience is committed to raising funds and public awareness on behalf of people with disabilities. Combined with corporate sponsorships, the 2019 Journey of Hope will raise more than $750,000 for people with disabilities across the nation.
CITY OF NATCHITOCHES: JOB OPPORTUNITY
POSITION: Recreation Director
DESCRIPTION: Performs a variety of complex professional and administrative work in planning, developing, scheduling, directing and implementing a year-round, citywide recreation program. Responsible for all aspects of recreation facilities, parks and playgrounds, programs of athletics and other leisure-time and cultural activities and functions of the City.
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
Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in recreation and/or parks administration and at least one year experience in a recreation or parks management position OR a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education or related field and at least three years experience in a recreation or parks management position OR at least 8 years experience in a recreation or parks management position.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted through
July 22, 2019
THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
NATCHITOCHES PARISH:
Brantley Ray Spivey
July 16, 2019
Service: Sunday, July 21 at 2 pm at The United Pentecostal Church of Montgomery
Interment: Union Hill Cemetery near Montgomery
RAPIDES PARISH:
Donald Smith
July 29, 1926 – July 17, 2019
Service: Sunday, July 21 at 3 pm at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church
Cesar Lutfallah
January 18, 1967 – July 12, 2019
Service: Saturday, July 20 at 1 pm at St. Rita Catholic Church
RED RIVER PARISH:
James Ernest Brown
June 10, 1943 – July 16, 2019
Visitation: Saturday, July 20 at 1 pm at the First Baptist Church of Coushatta
Service: Saturday, July 20 at 2 pm at the First Baptist Church of Coushatta
Interment: Liberty Cemetery in Martin
SABINE PARISH:
Delores “DeLo” Lewing
December 4, 1935 – July 13, 2019
Visitation: Saturday, July 20 at 12 pm at Alford Heights Baptist Church in Many
Service: Saturday, July 20 at 2 pm at Alford Heights Baptist Church
Interment: Old Pisgah Cemetery
WINN PARISH:
Caraway Richard Preston
June 1, 1932 – July 18, 2019
Visitation: Saturday, July 20 from 10 am – 2 pm in the chapel of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena
Service: Saturday, July 20 at 2 pm in the chapel of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home
Interment: Summerville Baptist Church Cemetery of Summerville
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
By Kevin Shannahan
Some of the many things that make Louisiana a truly unique place were on display before a capacity crowd at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest History Museum Thursday July 18. Dr. Shane Ramussen, director of the Louisiana Folklife Center at NSU, was the emcee of a lively discussion of everything from Native American pine straw baskets to folk art, soap making, trapping, hunting and fishing. These are all traditional crafts and skills that are still in use today by the men and women on the panel. The evening also featured musical entertainment from the always superb Ed Huey and John Litzenberg who played several pieces in traditional styles.
The museum could also legitimately lay claim to being the best restaurant in town that evening as the panelists brought savory examples of Native American and Creole foodways. There are many things that make Louisiana a special place to live. Those of us who live here often do not notice these people and places right among us in our day to day lives. Programs like tonight’s presentation remind us of the delightful things we all too often miss.
The Louisiana Folklife Festival will be held at NSU’s Prather Coliseum July 26-27. Be sure to come out to enjoy some of Louisiana’s wonderful musical legacy and arts and crafts.
By Kevin Shannahan
This week’s Pieces of Our History dates from 1978. “Louisiana Cavalier”, named the state’s official play was first presented in 1976 and ran for several seasons before closing. “Kevin’s Gallery” is a scan of a program from the 1978 season, complete with autographs from several of the actors.
The play, an ambitious outdoor saga, was held in an outdoor amphitheater that still stands at what is now the Natchitoches Shooting Range. Louisiana Cavalier, written by the Pulitzer Prize winning author and playwright Paul Green, chronicles the life of Natchitoches’ founder Louis Juchereau de St. Denis and stretches from Natchitoches to the Texas territory and Mexico City as it tells the story of our early history through the life of one of Natchitoches earliest figures. The play featured numerous musical and dance features. Quite a few local residents had a role in the production. You are sure to recognize many of the names found throughout the program. The program, along with last week’s NSU v. Navy football program were from some of my wife’s papers. They will find a new home in the Cammie G. Henry Research Center.
According to a Task Force Official, the Natchitoches SWAT team assisted the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office with a search warrant in the 200 block of Layfield Road in North Natchitoches Parish on July 9. RRSO had obtained a search warrant for the residence, in reference to stolen firearms and other items allegedly being stored there.
A search of the residence was conducted by members of the Red River Parish Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and Agents assigned to the Natchitoches Multi Jurisdictional Drug Task Force (NMJDTF). The following items were located inside the residence:
Springfield Armory 308 rifle
Smith and Wesson .40 cal pistol
Winchester 12 ga shotgun.
Marlin Firearms .22 Long Rifle.
.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine
Glass pipes, commonly used for the ingestion of methamphetamine.
On 7/16/19, Kevin T. Hughes, 47, w/m was arrested after turning himself in to authorities. Hughes was charged with the following charges:
4- counts of Possession of a firearm in the presence of CDS
1- count of Possession of CDS II (methamphetamine)
1- count of Possession of drug paraphernalia
Hughes was placed into the NPDC awaiting bond.
The Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force would like to thank the Citizens of Natchitoches for their support. Many times an investigation begins with a simple phone call or tip from a concerned citizen. For this reason the Task Force encourages all citizens to report any crimes in their neighborhoods anonymously by calling 318-357-2248, The Natchitoches Police Department, or the Natchitoches Parish Sheriffs Office.
Human remains were found in a wooded area off of Johnson Chute Road near Natchitoches according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones Jr.
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies and members of the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office responded to a 911 call of possible human remains discovered by loggers in a thick wooded area off of Johnson Chute Road near Natchitoches on July 18 at 2:29 pm.
Deputies say upon their arrival, the logging crew showed them the location of the discovery.
Detectives assigned to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division were notified and responded .
Natchitoches Parish Deputy Asst. Coroner Steven Clanton confirmed the remains as human.
According to Asst. Coroner Clanton it appears the remains had been in the area for several months.
Chief of Patrols Doug Rachal said deputies and the coroner’s office searched the area for approximately two hours this afternoon looking for any evidence or clues to identify the remains or manner of death.
The remains will be transported by the coroner’s office to the LSU Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Lab in Baton Rouge for DNA analysis and further forensic testing for identification.
Chief of Investigations Greg Dunn said the remains were found approximately 1-mile west of La. Hwy 1 in a wooded area.
This area is in close proximity where deputies and volunteers searched the area by ground, air and water on three separate occasions during the early part of this year for Donnie Collins Jr., 44, of Natchitoches who was reported missing by family members on December 11, 2018.
At this time the remains discovered this afternoon have not been identified.
Laboratory analysis testing will have to be completed before a positive identification can be made.
We will update the public and media as this information becomes available.
Detectives did speak with Collins family this afternoon notifying them of the findings.
For the second time this month, a Northwestern State student-athlete signed a professional contract in their respective sport.
Basketball center Ishmael Lane signed a professional deal in Japan’s top basketball league with the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins.
“It still doesn’t feel real, and it hasn’t me yet,” said Lane, who has been celebrating the signing in his native Port Allen with family members. “This is something I’ve always wanted as a little kid, and it feels great.
“It’s been a long process going through everything and trying to figure out where I’d be, but it was just about having patience, trusting the whole process and getting the best fit for me.”
Lane excelled in his Demon career, finishing in NSU’s career top-10 in three different statistics – 1,467 points (ninth all-time), 842 rebounds (eighth all-time) and 169 blocks (third all-time).
The center led NSU in rebounding, blocks and shooting percentage in each of his four seasons.
“He’s a great young man with a strong family at his core, and they did everything together and supported him as much as any family I’ve been around,” said NSU coach Mike McConathy. “He really worked at his craft, and he especially excelled as a senior.
“He played in a couple of Athletes in Action tours, and along with the great experiences, he saw himself playing alongside players from Power Five schools. He said, ‘Wait a minute, I can be that kind of player.”
As a senior, Lane led the Southland Conference in rebounding (11.3) and blocked shots (2.3) per game in league play en route to the league’s defensive player of the year.
The SLC First-Team pick averaged nearly 14 points and 10 rebounds as a senior.
McConathy said Lane’s willingness to go above and beyond on the boards separated him.
“I told him if he wanted to be remembered, he needed to be a great rebounder,” McConathy said. “There were many games in our league and one particular nonconference game against SMU where he was the best player on the floor. He had 24 points and 13 rebounds at SMU, and he had four games of at least 15 rebounds this season.
“He became relentless and wasn’t going to be denied a rebound or whatever he was going for. He didn’t take a back seat. He played a team with a couple of really good bigs, and he dunked on one of them and completely messed his mind up. He has the ability to establish himself as the man on the floor.”
Lane had seven consecutive double-doubles as a senior and finished his career with 26. He was the top vote-getter on the NABC District 23 team.
Lane said his new Nagoya squad plays up-tempo much like McConathy’s Demons, and the 6-foot-8 Louisianan has been told he’ll fit as a power forward.
“Talking to the coach and managers over there and seeing clips of their games, they run a lot just like we did at NSU,” Lane said. “I’ll fall right into place.
“I’m excited to see the different sites and get used to the city. I’m ready to try new foods and adjusting to a new culture.”
McConathy added that he doesn’t doubt Lane will transition to professional basketball because he’s extremely coachable.
Lane graduated with a communications degree and was also a Southland Conference All-Academic selection.
Lane’s professional contract comes on the heels of sprinter Micah Larkins turning professional.
Photo Credit: Gary Hardamon/NSU Photographic Services
A student and faculty team from Northwestern State University participated in a research event hosted by NASA earlier this summer at Wallops Flight Facility on the eastern shore of Virginia. Jack Wright of Natchitoches and Holden Rivers of Zwolle, along with Assistant Professor of Physics Anna Dugas, joined 12 other college students and faculty from Louisiana at the RockOn! Workshop where they build and tested a rocked payload that was launched on a sounding rocket. The trip was funded by a grant from the Louisiana Space Grant Consortium (LaSPACE).
“The Terrier-Orion Rocket launched at 5:30 ET June 20. The payload was successfully activated and the team received data,” Dugas said. “There was 35.2 megabytes stored on the microSD card with 478304 lines of data from the accelerometers (3-axis low and medium, 1-axis high), pressure/temperature, humidity, gyroscope and Geiger counter, which yielded from approximately six and a half hours of recording time. The rocket flight length was within 20 minutes, so the data received proved that the G-switch initiated recording and the recording time length was more than sufficient to obtain the time-of-flight measurements. The final battery voltages on the payload were measured both as 8.9 V after initial voltage of 9.7 V, so the payload was designed with a more than sufficient power supply system.”
Rivers, who is majoring in Industrial Engineering Technology, said RockOn! was very organized and participating was a terrific experience that he hopes future NSU students can share.
“There were tons of self-inspections made by workshop workers. This provided clarity when something wasn’t right so it could be fixed without wasting time looking for the problem,” Rivers said. “The attitude of the workshop workers and their leader was very laid back. I believe this offered comfort for what could have been stressful. They did an outstanding job of keeping everyone together and the workshop moving forward.”
Wright, an Electronics Engineering Technology major, said he gained knowledge and information to bring back to the university to apply in the classroom and on future projects.
“The team at RockOn! did an excellent job in helping us have everything well organized and had it down to a fantastic routine,” Wright said. “I hope in the future, NSU can be more involved in participating in similar programs.
Dugas said RockOn! was one of the best professional opportunities she has ever experienced.
“I was amazed at how the workshop’s director Chris Koehler developed such an effective support team, as well as such an effective workshop curriculum and agenda to make sure all attendees at every skill level can learn and build confidence in electronic payload building,” Dugas said. “I was also impressed at the hours the RockOn! Team must have spent after hours fixing the small glitches that came up during the day. For instance, our group had one of the several humidity sensors that had a manufactured problem and the support team replaced our sensor after we left. This workshop was truly fun and educational for my team and I am extremely happy that we got to attend.”
In terms of the payload design, Dugas was impressed by the detailed and highly-visual slides provided on Kindle Fire 7 tables offered to each team member and each PCB board was exceptionally labelled with built-in test ports. She was also impressed that surface mount soldering techniques were included in the training, including the use of reflow iron, and that students came away with respect for people who regularly use surface mount components.
Wright and Rivers also learned how to build effective oscillator and high voltage transformer circuits to operate a Geiger-Muller tube, a hollow cylinder filled with a gas at low pressure used to detect radioactive particles.
“I was also happy that the students now have access to an effective I2C sensors library for the Arduino and they were able to see a complete microSD code on the Arduino IDE, since they struggled with this last spring in one of their courses,” Dugas said.
Outside the workshop, the 15 delegates representing Louisiana and LaSPACE found time for recreation, visiting Tom’s Cove Beach in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and several restaurants on Chincoteague Island.
Pictured above: NSU students Holden Rivers, left, and Jack Wright, right, accompanied by Professor Anna Dugas, center, participated in the NASA-sponsored RockOn! Workshop where they build and tested a rocked payload that was launched on a sounding rocket. The trip was funded by a grant from the Louisiana Space Grant Consortium (LaSPACE).
JEFFERSON PARISH – Gov. John Bel Edwards and Hubig’s Pies owner Andrew Ramsey announced on July 18 that the company plans to relaunch production of its famous fruit pies with a $1.37 million capital investment in a Jefferson Parish manufacturing facility. The project initially will create 14 full-time direct jobs, with an average annual salary of more than $40,600, plus benefits. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 16 new indirect jobs, for a total of 30 new jobs in the Southeast Region of Louisiana.
Located in the Faubourg Marigny district of New Orleans for 90 years, Hubig’s Pies revived after Hurricane Katrina but its Dauphine Street pie factory succumbed to a devastating fire in 2012. Hubig’s has navigated a number of challenges since then to restructure the company and identify a new production site. Real estate solutions in Jefferson Parish are being finalized now, and Hubig’s LLC secured a small business loan guaranty today from the Louisiana Economic Development Corp. board that will assist the company in securing financing from Hancock Whitney Bank.
“No one embraces their traditions like the people of Jefferson Parish and greater New Orleans,” Gov. Edwards said. “Like the arrival of Mardi Gras or a Saints football season, the return of Hubig’s Pies is great cause for celebration. We’re happy to help support Hubig’s Pies as it revives a great culinary tradition and creates new career opportunities in the food manufacturing sector for Louisiana.”
Hubig’s targets a production launch in 2020 with the return of classic favors, such as apple, cherry, lemon, peach, chocolate and seasonal pies. The traditional turnover-style hand pies will be distributed in the same historical markets as before, ranging from the Louisiana-Texas border to the Mobile, Alabama, area.
“We’re looking forward to our relaunch and being able to announce a more detailed timeline soon,” Ramsey said. “We’ve been a New Orleans company since the 1920s. We buy local, hire local, and our main market is Louisiana. We are eager to get Hubig’s Pies back into the hands of our loyal customers. We appreciate their patience and support.”
To secure the project, the State of Louisiana offered Hubig’s a competitive incentive package that includes the comprehensive workforce solutions of LED FastStart® – the nation’s No. 1 state workforce development program. Hubig’s also will participate in LED’s Small Business Loan and Guaranty Program, and is expected to utilize the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption and Enterprise Zone programs.
“Hubig’s has been a staple in greater New Orleans for generations,” Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni said. “The Parish Council and administration stand at-the-ready to support the Hubig’s team as they continue to make strides toward their relaunch.”
“JEDCO is pleased to play a role in bringing this iconic regional brand back into commerce,” said JEDCO President and CEO Jerry Bologna. “Through financing opportunities, we are doing our part to help Hubig’s commence production as soon as possible. This project will further advance the vibrant food manufacturing industry in Jefferson Parish, which is an area of focus for JEDCO.”
With the launch of the new manufacturing facility, Hubig’s plans to bring back the traditional recipes that have been popular for generations. The company also will offer e-commerce options for remote ordering and delivery of Hubig’s hand pies.
“The return of Hubig’s to commerce marks not only the rebirth of an iconic local brand, but moreover the addition of good jobs for the community,” said President and CEO Michael Hecht of GNO Inc. “GNO Inc. thanks the Ramsey family, Gov. Edwards and the Jefferson Parish leadership for their role in this delicious announcement.”
About Hubig’s
Founded in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1922 as the Simon Hubig Pie Company, Hubig’s Pies came to New Orleans that same year and eventually spread to bakeries in nine cities across the South. During the Great Depression, only the New Orleans location remained profitable and survived, creating a lasting love affair between Hubig’s fruit-filled fried pies and the people of New Orleans and surrounding areas. In 2020, Hubig’s LLC will relaunch the pie factory that made its products famous, with plans for distributing pies along the Gulf Coast from the Texas-Louisiana border to Alabama. Hubig’s will reboot its website in the near future and ultimately will make its pies available via e-commerce orders, as well as through purchases at regional grocery, drug and convenience stores.
The Southland Conference preseason football polls flashed on the screen inside the Houston Hilton Post Oak hotel at around 9:15 Thursday morning.
Northwestern State was chosen 10th among the 11 teams, but to head coach Brad Laird, that selection was simply background noise.
“They put the same rankings up last year, and you had teams at the top and teams at the bottom,” said Laird, who enters his second season as the head coach at his alma mater. “I can tell you (Incarnate Word coach) Eric Morris is glad that preseason rankings don’t mean it ends up the way it comes out. At this time of the year, we all have high expectations, no matter what the board said behind me at 9:15. I tell them to be where your feet are. Our feet are here. All we can control is winning the day, worrying about the now. We have to be consistent and believe in the process.”
Like many coaches, Laird told the assembled crowd at the Southland Conference Football Media Day he does not put much stock in preseason polls.
Part of that could come from the example set by Incarnate Word a season ago when the Cardinals were picked 10th before sharing the regular-season conference championship and making their first FCS Playoff appearance.
Another factor in Laird’s confidence – how Northwestern State finished the 2018 season. The Demons collected three wins in their final four games and made it consecutive years in which they improved their overall record.
“The thing I finished the season talking about was consistency,” Laird said. “This day and age, you see staff turnover. We had the luxury of keeping our staff together, and that’s important to have from Year 1 to Year 2. Both coordinators, Brad Smiley and Mike Lucas, I really leaned on them the last year and a half.
“The momentum of winning three of our last four, we really took it into spring ball. I’m really excited about what the 15 practices in spring practice and what that brought to our team. We carried that over into July, and hopefully we’ll continue to carry it into fall camp.”
What the Demons have found in the past 12 months is a renewed attention to detail, which showed in late-season victories against Houston Baptist, McNeese and Stephen F. Austin.
The first two of those wins came at home by a total of seven points, reiterating the importance of even the smallest details.
“All the credit for that goes to coach Laird,” said senior offensive lineman Chris Zirkle, a second-team preseason all-conference selection. “When he came in and we had our first meeting after Christmas break, guys didn’t show up on time and he canceled the whole meeting. It took us until the third day to get it right, and it grew from there. Now you see guys cleaning up their mess, picking up towels, learning from the little mistakes we made.”
Those results, in turn, sparked a different type of leadership for the Demons, who have 20 seniors on the 2019 roster.
“We have more people holding each other accountable,” senior safety Nick Forde said. “We understand that’s important if we are going to go as far as we want to go.”
That includes starting fast in games and in the season as a whole. Northwestern State kicks off the 2019 season on Aug. 29 at UT Martin and plays three of its first four games away from Turpin Stadium.
The road-heavy early stretch – coupled with a four-game run from mid-October to early November that showcases several of the Southland’s top teams – could go a long way in determining if the Demons’ win total makes a positive leap for the third straight season.
“That four- to five-game stretch could dictate where this football team could be,” Laird said. “With seven road games, the summer and fall is so important. You leave (for road trips) on Friday, and you’re with them all weekend. That’s why team chemistry is so important, and the summer and fall will really prepare us for our seven road games this year.
“We have to start fast. In several games, we dug ourselves too big of a hole. We have to start fast and be consistent, but I really like the makeup of this team, and I look forward to what 2019 brings.”