The 27th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Angels pageant will be held Saturday, Oct. 5 at 2 pm in Magale Recital Hall at Northwestern State University. There will only be an impromptu rehearsal that day from 11 am – 12 pm.

Entry fee is $60 per child, with a $20 discount per additional sibling. The contest is open to all young ladies enrolled in Natchitoches Parish schools from Pre-Kindergarten through 6th Grade and 7th & 8th Grade. Judging is separate for the two different age categories.

The deadline to compete in the Natchitoches Christmas Angels pageant is Friday, Sept. 27. All entries, with payment, must be mailed to P.O. Box 2024, Natchitoches, LA 71457 or dropped off to Erin Smith at Bolton Realty at 304 University Parkway, Natchitoches.

Entry forms are available below.

A Queen, 1st and 2nd runner up will be chosen in each age group. The winning queen in each group will receive a custom crown and banner. The runner-ups will receive a trophy and certificate. Every entrant in PreK-8th grade will receive a participation crown. There will be an overall People’s Choice award. The winner in this category will be determined by the number of votes ($1 per vote with no limit) purchased for each participant. The participant with the most votes will receive an XL Christmas crown and custom banner.

Admission to the 27th Annual Christmas Angels Pageant will be $5, including parents of contestants. Children under 3 will be admitted for free.

Space is limited, so it is recommended that entry forms be turned in as soon as possible. Please download entries online and send form and entry fee to Natchitoches Christmas Angels pageant, P.O. Box 2024, Natchitoches, LA 71457, or drop off to Erin Smith at Bolton Realty, 304 University Parkway, Natchitoches. For additional information contact Erin Smith at (318) 652-2622.

· Event Date – Saturday, Oct. 5

· Event Time – 2 pm

· Location – Magale Recital Hall, Northwestern State University

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The Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau is a proud sponsor of the 2019 Creole Heritage Center Celebration, to be held Sept. 27-28.

Pictured are Loletta Wynder, Creole Heritage Center Director; Arlene Gould, Natchitoches CVB Executive Director; and Markita Hamilton-Small, with the Creole Heritage Center.

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Guest artist Robert Sacks will perform at Northwestern State University on Monday, Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public.

Sacks, a pianist, will be joined by NSU faculty member Paul Christopher on cello in a performance of the Johannes Brahms Cello Sonatas, Opus 38 and 99.

Sacks holds degrees in piano performance from the Peabody Conservatory and Syracuse University. He has taught piano on the faculties of Syracuse University and North Central College’s Community Music program. His chamber music background includes memberships in the Crouse Chamber Players (Syracuse), the Spectrum Trio (Chicago) and performances in both the U.S. and Europe. He performed with the Spectrum Trio on the Dame Myra Hess concert series. He has previously served as assistant music director and piano coordinator for the OPUS Chamber Music Camp and served for 10 years as a camp chamber music coach and clinician.

He operates a private piano teaching studio in Naperville, Illinois, and is also active as a soloist, accompanist, chamber musician, contest adjudicator and has written for Clavier Magazine on several occasions. He and his wife, violinist Vivienne Venderley, perform together as the Spectrum Duo, and have presented school assembly programs on chamber music. Since 2016 he has served as collaborative keyboardist (piano and organ) at Bethany Lutheran Church in Naperville and was recently appointed organist at the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Hinsdale, Illinois.

For more information on the recital, call (318) 357-5802.

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The Krewe of Dionysos held a coronation to announce the 2020 Royal Court on Aug. 23. The event was held in Natchitoches with live music provided by The Mike McKenzie Band. The theme for the upcoming season is “Roaring into the 20s.”

The 2020 parade will be held on February 22, 2020.

2020 Royalty:

Captain XXII – Jerry McElwee
King XXII – Joe Sers
Queen XXII – Sylvia LaCour
Duke and Duchess of Dance: Kelly and Lynn Dortlon
Duke and Duchess of Destiny: Billy and Carolyn Benefield
Duke and Duchess of Decadence: Dennis and Jennifer Arthur
Duke and Duchess of Desire: Jeremy Miller and Jami Bryant

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By Randall Mallette, Parish Agent

This time of year a lot of my time is spent taking soil samples, interpreting sample results, and making soil recommendations. Having a basic understanding of soil amendments and plant nutrition, specifically pertaining to soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, will make the soil sample process much less strenuous.

First, let’s talk about soil pH. The acidity/alkalinity of the soil is referred to as the pH. A pH value less than 7 is acidic, while a pH above 7 is alkaline or basic. These values are of extreme importance. Different types of plants have different pH tolerances. Blueberries and azaleas for example like a strongly acidic soil around a 5.5 while many turf grasses and vegetable crops thrive in a soil pH of ~6.5. The soil pH also effects nutrient availability. Soil nutrients are only available for uptake by the plant in certain pH ranges. If the pH of your soil needs adjusting, the soil sample will also tell us how to do that. To raise the pH we use lime, and to lower it we use sulfur. Pay careful attention to the magnesium levels of the soil. The magnesium level will determine what type of lime to use. Use caution when lowering a soil pH. I prefer to use ammonium sulfate instead of elemental sulfur. It is easy to mess up a soil’s chemistry with sulfur. The ammonium sulfate option not only lowers the pH, but also provides a nitrogen source.

The soil sample results will also give recommendations for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These are the three most important nutrients for plant growth. Nitrogen is responsible for vigorous growth, dark green color, and causes a high protein content in the plant tissues, which is important for forage crops and crops for human consumption. Phosphorus is important to plant reproduction, photosynthesis, cold resistance, root growth, and assists in nitrogen uptake. Potassium encourages strong stems, disease resistance, and cold hardiness.

Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the three nutrients found in many “complete” fertilizers. The three numbers on the fertilizer are the Nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (N-P-K) contents of the fertilizer, expressed as a percentage of the bag’s contents (ex. 13-13-13). With that in mind, we have to do a little math to figure out how much we have to get out of the bag in order to get the correct amount of the desired nutrient. The math is simple, but I won’t get into that part here.

Soil sampling is one of the best things you can do to improve your landscape, garden, pasture, or crop. If you are looking at starting a new flower bed or garden, a soil sample should be your first move. It often holds the answer to poor performing gardens and beds at a low cost.

For more information contact Randall Mallette, County Agent, at the local LSU AgCenter Extension Office 318-357-2224. 

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What: Autism Support Group Meeting, (Voices 4 Autism)

When: September 7, 2019

Where: Natchitoches Parish Library
450 Second St. on the 3th Floor Meeting Room

Time: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Voices 4 Autism Parent Support Group, are here after you’ve gotten a diagnosis from a professional, you may have many questions that aren’t the kind your clinician can help with. By finding other parents who are facing, or have faced the same issues, many parents feel better able to navigate a path they never envisioned. For more information call Lela at 318-529-0638.

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Butch Martin
September 05, 1943 – August 23, 2019
Service: Tuesday, August 27 at 10 am at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches

James William Johnson
April 8, 1938 – August 22, 2019
Visitation: Saturday, August 31, 2019 from 9 -10:30 am at Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, August 31, 2019 at 11 am at Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home
Interment: Lawrence Serenity Sanctum in Natchitoches

James D. Barnes
August 23, 2019
Arrangements TBA

WINN PARISH:

Bobbie Pittman
August 25, 2019
Arrangements TBA

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By Melanie Wilson

I have to start with an apology for not having an article last week. I knew what I wanted to write about and when Monday morning rolled around it hit me that I never wrote an article. So I’m so sorry but if you read this article you will understand everything.

I have an empty nest.

My tiny baby went to live with a family that will most likely become his forever home.

I’ve had a baby in my house since October and now there are none. It is QUIET in my house. Quiet is an understatement.

I am so happy for my baby and his new family. Don’t get me wrong but it’s just hard being home alone.

His forever family is amazing! They send me pictures all of the time. She texts me when something new happens. He has gotten two new teeth since he went there and can stand up without pulling up on something. And she sent invitations to his first birthday party for me, my family, and all my friends that love him.

I’m not worried about him at all!

But the heartbreak is still real. It is painful. There are some days when I’m fine and some days when I can’t stop crying.

The other day was a cry all day kind of day. During the crying fest I told my mother that I didn’t cry like this when the other one went home. So I felt guilty for that. She explained that I still had a baby and didn’t have time to cry about the first one.

So apparently I am grieving over two babies at once.

It’s tough!

I was always taught that family include way more people than were born into your family. Those babies will always be part of my family.

I know what I signed up for and I knew it would be hard. But I didn’t know how quiet it would be.

I’ve been taking it day by day. Making lots of to-do lists and getting a lot done.

I honestly couldn’t write about an empty nest last week. I was just trying to survive the quiet. I’m crying now as I’m writing this.

I wanted to write this series of articles to be honest and to let people know more about foster care. This isn’t pretty and I’m ugly crying right now.

But I can tell everyone that I wouldn’t trade this heartbreak if it meant I didn’t have those two perfect little boys.

I found a post today that said the following: “Considering foster care? Don’t let the fear of loving a child who might leave deter you. Let the fear of a child not knowing love drive you.”

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Position Paper No.1

As a Candidate for Parish President, I feel it is important to advise the public and ultimately take positions on Revenues, Expenses, Terms and Mandates. I will am sharing my thoughts and positions as to how we attack the numerous fiscal challenges which are apparent and have not been addressed by the current leadership.

I look forward to discussing through this medium and others, my ideas to begin the slow process, necessary to identify, prioritize and ultimately begin to solve our road and infrastructure challenges.

I will share my specific Ideas, plans and positions as we go through this process over the next several days.

Natchitoches Parish Government needs to be run like a business and we must allocate our revenues and resources in the most efficient way possible to maximize the benefits to the tax payers and citizens.

I believe it is important to share with each of you all sources of revenue to the general fund of Natchitoches Parish.

GENERAL FUND – 001
PUBLIC SAFETY SUB-FUND – 900

REVENUE SOURCES

1. Ad Valorem (General Alimony Millage) – The majority of the funds generated by this tax are distributed by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Tax Collection Department in January of each year. Additional payments may be received throughout the year as delinquent taxes are paid.

2. Alcoholic Beverage Tax – Payments are received on a quarterly basis and are based on the amount of tax revenue generated by the sale of alcoholic beverages within the Parish. Payments are distributed by the Louisiana State Treasurer’s Office.

3. Alcoholic Beverage Licenses – Payments are received on a monthly basis and are distributed by the Natchitoches Parish Tax Commission.

4. Occupational Licenses – Payments are received on a monthly basis and are distributed by the Natchitoches Parish Tax Commission.

5. Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) – Payments are received on an annual basis and are distributed by the Federal Government. Payments are calculated based on Parish Population.

6. Severance Taxes – Payments are received on a quarterly basis and are distributed by the Louisiana State Treasurer’s Office. The amount of funds distributed to the Parish of Natchitoches is determined by the rules set out in Article VII, Section 4 of the State Constitution. These funds ARE deposited in to the General Fund.

7. Rents and Royalties – The Parish of Natchitoches receives rental payments from the Natchitoches Parish District Attorney’s office for office space; payments from the Secretary of State; and franchise fee payments from Suddenlink.

8. Fire Insurance Rebate – The Louisiana State Treasurer’s office distributes payments to the Parish of Natchitoches as a pass-through agent for the fire districts within the Parish.

9. Health Unit – The Parish of Natchitoches receives a transfer of $300,000 annually from the Health Unit Fund for inmate costs.

10. Constables/Justice Supplemental Pay (Sub-Fund – 900) – Payments are made by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, in accordance with La. R.S. 13:2591, to the Parish of Natchitoches as a pass-through agent for the supplemental pay to each justice of the peace and constable within the Parish.

11. Fine Collector (Sub-Fund – 900) – La. R.S. provides that all fines, forfeitures, penalties and costs collected by a city court, when prosecution is on behalf of the state or parish, must be paid into the parish general fund to be used as general parish expenditures, with exceptions.

As your parish president, I, Lee Waskom, will do everything I can to earn your trust as we try to solve our fiscal problems. The citizens of Natchitoches Parish have lost confidence in the current administration and their inability to get simple questions answered. It is my hope that by providing these specific details that I can demonstrate to each and every voter in Natchitoches Parish the challenge we have in solving this crisis. Over the next week to 10 days, I will be providing my specific plans for how through new leadership and innovative cost saving approaches, we can begin to solve our problems. Please vote for me, Lee Waskom, No. 85 on the ballet on October 12, 2019.

The next topic of conversation will be an in-depth discussion of each and every category of expenditures that must be funded by the Natchitoches Parish Government. I look forward to your comments or discussions with respect to each of these position papers we will be releasing within the next week to 10 days. Through our concerted efforts, we will solve this problem.

PAID FOR BY THE CAMPAIGN FOR LEE WASKOM #85

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Northwestern State University’s Department of Military Science will hold an activation ceremony for the 70th Demon Battalion beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5 on the Kyser Hall Brickway. The time was pushed back from 3:30 p.m. to accommodate student class schedules.

In case of inclement weather, the program will take place on the east concourse of Prather Coliseum. The annual program ushers in the new academic year and establishes the new battalion and its leadership.

A reception will follow the program. The public is invited. For information on ROTC at Northwestern State visit rotc.nsula.edu.

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Parish President Rick Nowlin has announced his intention to make appointments and reappointments to the following boards and commissions which currently have vacancies or members with expiring terms:

– Planning Commission
– Library Board of Control
– Fire District #6 (Natchitoches area)
– Fire District #7 (Robeline area)

Any resident interested in serving on a board or commission should submit an application to the Office of the President. In addition, any current members of these boards and commissions who have expiring terms are encouraged to apply for reappointment. Applications may be picked up at the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse, located at 200 Church Street, or by contacting David Kees, Jr., Executive Assistant to the President, at (318) 352-2714, or by sending an email to dkees@npgov.org.

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Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies recently arrested two north Natchitoches Parish men in connection with a theft at Roy O Martin Plywood Plant in south Natchitoches Parish according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Early Wednesday morning, August 7th, at approximately 2:13am, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division responded to reports of a theft in progress at Roy O Martin Plywood Plant, in the 1600 block of La. Hwy 490 in Chopin, La.

Roy O Martin officials reported observing a subject on an all-terrain vehicle pulling a cart in the rear of the plant in an area called the “bone yard” allegedly stealing items where metals, copper and machinery are stored.

Shortly after deputies arrived on scene they joined RoyOMartin employees attempting to capture the suspects.

One suspect fled from an area where the all-terrain vehicle was parked crossing a levee then running towards railroad tracks.

Deputies and Roy O Martin employees searched the area but were unable to locate the suspects at that time.

Deputies seized a 2019 Honda Rancher with a cart containing various links of cooper and tools used to cut metal inside the cart.

Deputies continued to search the area and found a white 2006 Ford F-150 pickup truck pulling a utility trailer parked on Emmanuel Road just west of the plant occupied by one suspect identified as 32-year-old David P. Tarver of Campti, La.

Tarver, 32, of the 1500 block of Hart Road, Campti, La. was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Principle to Theft.

During the investigation, deputies learned the other alleged suspect was 45-year-old Sammy D. Smith of Campti, La.

During an inventory of the vehicle, deputies discovered physical evidence leading them to believe both suspects were involved in the plot to steal copper from Roy O Martin.

Deputies stored the vehicle, utility trailer, ATV and cart for evidence.

Deputies had sufficient evidence and probable cause to obtain criminal warrants signed by a Tenth Judicial District Court Judge for the arrest of Sam Smith.

During the course of a week period, Smith would call detectives and patrol deputies advising that he was going to turn himself in, however, he continued on the run.

Deputies also learned Smith had just been released from jail the week before and he had been arrested a couple of years prior in connection with the theft of copper from Roy O Martin Plywood Plant.

On Monday evening, August 19th, Winn Parish Sheriff Cranford Jordan contacted the NPSO reporting he had Smith suffering from poison ivy rash in custody.

Deputies traveled to Winn Parish and transported Smith back to Natchitoches Parish then transported to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center for his poison ivy rash, treated and released back into custody.

Sammy D. Smith, 45, of the 2300 block of Hwy 486, Campti was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Criminal Trespassing, Theft and Probation Violation.

Both Tarver and Smith remain in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center.

Deputies say they believe both suspects traveled from the Campti area to the Martco Plywood Plant to steal copper items to sell at metal recycling centers for profit.

Deputies say the investigation is continuing into individuals that may have assisted or aided Smith while he was on the run from law enforcement.

Involved in arrests were: Sgt. M. Robertston, Deputy C. Olliff, Deputy D. Caballero, and Deputy T. Baptiste assisted by NPSO Criminal Investigations and Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say Roy O Martin employees acted promptly and contacted the Sheriff’s Office when they observed suspious activity.

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Hospice of Many

OPPORTUNITY:  Hospice of Many is looking for a full time RN to work the Sabine parish area.

EXPERIENCE:  Minimum of 2 years experience required

PAY AND BENEFITS:  Competitive pay with benefits.

CONTACT:  Please call 318-256-1245

Hospice of Many is EOE

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In the matter of the State of Louisiana Ethics Board vs Jackson Jones, Jr. evidence was submitted and the court ruled on August 20, 2019 that Jackson Jones Jr. shall withdraw as a candidate for the Parish President of Natchitoches Parish in an election to be held on October 12, 2019.

The Judgement was ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED on August 20, 2019 at 9:47am.   The Hon. Eric R. Harrington signed the order. (see all documents and links below)

Six remain as a qualified candidates for Parish President of Natchitoches Parish.  The Election to be held on October 12, 2019.

Precious Barber
Gerald Longlios
John Richmond
Carl Sias
Lee Waskom
Nick Wright

For fans who find themselves unable to attend NSU Football games in person, NSU Athletics is proud to provide radio coverage in all of northwest and central Louisiana as well as parts of southern Arkansas and east Texas. In addition to 94.9 The River – the flagship station of NSU Athletics – 710 KEEL in North Louisiana and 105.5 KBBK in Central Louisiana will carry all NSU Football broadcasts.

Elite Radio Group will broadcast NSU Athletics contests as follows:
Football: 94.9 The River
Men’s Basketball & Baseball: 95.9 Kix Country
Women’s Basketball & Softball: 92.3 The Fox

FORK ‘EM DEMONS!!

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Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education will offer a beginning line dance class on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

The class will be on Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. in Room 127 of the Health and Human Performance Building through Oct. 8. The fee is $65. Dancing styles covered in this class will include country western, zydeco, hip-hop, and an introduction to salsa and waltz.

An intermediate line dance class on will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 15.

The class will be on Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. in Room 127 of the Health and Human Performance Building through Nov. 19. The fee is $65. Those in the class will have the opportunity to learn dances such as Foot Loose, Crank it Up, Can’t Wang Wit It, Zydeco, and more. No dance partner necessary but those participating must have taken beginner’s line dance or have some line dance experience

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

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Mary Helen Starnes
October 10, 1930 – August 22, 2019
Visitation: Monday, August 26 from 9-10 am in Christ the King Lutheran Church, located at 305 Royal St
Service: Monday, August 26 at 10 am in Christ the King Lutheran Church
Interment: Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches

Butch Martin
September 05, 1943 – August 23, 2019
Visitation: Monday, August 26 from 5-8 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Tuesday, August 27 at 10 am at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches

James William Johnson
August 22, 2019
Arrangements TBA

James D. Barnes
August 23, 2019
Arrangements TBA

WINN PARISH:

Bobbie Pittman
August 25, 2019
Arrangements TBA

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What I did on my summer vacation.
by Doug

This is what I did on my summer vacation.

My summer vacation was fun. There were no article deadlines. It was hot. I went outside every day. I cut wisteria and sprayed wasps. The grass grew very fast. I mowed the grass a lot. I picked figs off the fig tree. I played with Cut-Up. He is a Pitbull puppy. I met my new neighbor Kathy. She is a beautician.

Kathy and her boyfriend John needed help. They needed help moving a sofa. I should have asked more questions. I prayed the sofa was not in their upstairs garage apartment. It was. I prayed their sofa was not a sleeper-sofa. It was. John and I “slid” it down the stairs. I shouldn’t have moved a sleeper sofa down the stairs on a Sunday afternoon. I did. Cut-Up belongs to Kathy.

I watched a pig run down Main Street. He turned right off Main Street, ran through a field and headed down Gibbs Street. I have never seen a pig running down the middle of the street. A pig running is a funny sight. The same week I saw the pig, one of my neighbors took a picture of a bear in their backyard. I suppose my pig sighting was trumped by the bear picture. I forget that our camp is mostly in the country. This summer, driving back and forth the animals stayed out of the road and I stayed out of the ditches.

This summer, I drove my father-in-law to the doctor a lot. Old people are funny. If a B-52 crashed in the backyard, he would not hear it. But he told me to get the WD-40 because the backdoor was squeaking. He likes the way I drive, because I don’t have the radio on, and I don’t talk. He has many doctors. He had cataract surgery in July. Now he can see the letter E on the eye chart. Before that he couldn’t see the wall. He says, “I see well enough to drive again.”

This summer I learned that what I want to grow in the yard doesn’t and what I don’t want to grow does.

I learned about travel trailers. I was on my way to Arcadia to get ice cream for my father-in-law. He only eats Blue Bell Butter Crunch. At exit 67 a guy pulling a travel trailer was on the shoulder of I-20. There were wisps of smoke coming out of his air conditioning unit. Ten minutes later, ice cream purchased, I passed by the travel trailer again. It was gone! All that remained were the tires and the frame. Talk about going up in smoke, that travel trailer went up on smoke during the purchase of a half-gallon of Butter Crunch. I have been pondering trading my boat in on a travel trailer. It is the choice between pouring money in the river or having money go up in smoke.

This summer, our puppy Hazel bit my mother in law on the leg. So Hazel no longer is welcomed at the Gibsland house. Hazel is a sweet dog. She suffers from aggressive ageism. My mother in law is ok. She always asks about the dogs, and Hazel. Sometimes families and dogs don’t mix.

William Barclay wrote a prayer about Jesus understanding our lives.

“We thank you that Jesus did a day’s work like any working-man, that he knew the problems of living together in a family, that he knew the frustration and irritation of serving the public, that he had to earn a living, and to face all the wearing routine of every day work and life and living, and so clothed each common task with glory.”

Jesus knows about your summer vacation. Do you know Him

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