When the Northwestern State football team enters Tiger Stadium on Saturday night, family allegiances may be put to the test.

The Kinchen and O’Donoghue families both have sons suiting up for the Demons, but the lineages of the two clans are filled with student-athletes whose purple was trimmed with gold instead of orange.

Sophomore long snapper McKane Kinchen’s father, Brian, was a two-time All-SEC tight end for the Tigers in the early 1990s before becoming a 12-year NFL veteran and Super Bowl champion. McKane Kinchen’s older brothers Austin and Hunter followed as LSU long snappers. Those ties will be pressed Saturday night at 6:39 when the game kicks off, but they also provided the younger Kinchen with valuable insight into how to handle the upcoming matchup.

“It’s going to be surreal,” McKane Kinchen said. “I dreamed all my life of playing in Tiger Stadium, whether it was for them or against them. It’s going to be extremely fun. Having friends and family there makes it more comfortable for me than maybe someone who’s not familiar with it. It’s like going home.”

McKane Kinchen is one of several Demons who have direct ties to the LSU athletic program, a theme that continues on both sides of Saturday’s matchup.

LSU head coach Ed Orgeron and defensive line coach Bill Johnson are Northwestern State N-Club Hall of Famers. LSU defensive analyst August Mangin had two different stints on the Northwestern State coaching staff, including a four-season run as the Demons special teams coordinator from 2014-17. Another LSU defensive analyst, Dennis Johnson, was a graduate assistant from 2012-13 at NSU.

The NSU-LSU connection straddles other sporting lines as Lady Tigers assistant coach Lindsay Leftwich was a three-year letter winner as a Lady Demons softball pitcher. Leftwich was an All-Southeast Region, All-Southland Conference and All-Louisiana selection in 2002.

LSU Associate Athletic Director for Ticket Sales Brian Broussard served under longtime Northwestern State Director of Athletics Tynes Hildebrand.

Senior running back Jared West’s cousin Corey Webster was a standout cornerback for the Tigers from 2001-04, helping LSU capture the 2003 BCS national championship. West also is the cousin of former LSU basketball standouts Collis and Garrett Temple.

Junior linebacker Ricky Chatman’s father, Ricky Sr., was a Tigers linebacker from 1980-84.

Current NSU Director of Strength and Conditioning Jared Myatt spent time at LSU as a volunteer strength and conditioning coach in the spring of 2017.

In addition to those direct ties to the LSU athletic program, the Demons’ roster has 10 players from the greater Baton Rouge area who will play close to home Saturday.

Much like McKane Knichen, senior tight end Tyler O’Donoghue has deep family links to LSU.

Both of O’Donoghue’s parents, father John and mother Kelli, were LSU student-athletes who helped the school earn national championships in baseball and track and field, respectively. O’Donoghue’s sister, Abby, currently is a jumper on LSU’s track team.

“They’re my family, but this is my family here (at NSU),” Tyler O’Donoghue said. “It’s going to be fun to go down there and sort of be a homecoming.”

For McKane Kinchen and Tyler O’Donoghue, Saturday’s game gives them a chance to play a game in a place both attended numerous games and a place where they dreamed of playing as children.

Facing a top-five opponent will make for a tough task for the pair and their NSU teammates, but it may pale in comparison to some of the decisions their parents and siblings have to make in terms of their Saturday night wardrobes.

“My dad made a joke about it,” McKane Kinchen said. “A bunch of his friends said, ‘You can’t wear purple and orange,’ so he’s going with a neutral purple.”

O’Donoghue’s family situation is a little different because of Abby O’Donoghue’s status as a current LSU student-athlete.

“My dad and mom will be wearing NSU stuff, but if my sister wears NSU stuff, I may be a little upset with her because she competes for them,” Tyler O’Donoghue said.

Photo Credit: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

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By Corey Poole

Nine-year-old Westin Key, son of Tim and Lauren Key, has a true heart of gold. After saving money up for a year he made a $300 donation to Drew Brees’ Foundation: Brees Dream Foundation and a $300 donation to Thomas Morstead’s foundation: What You Give Will Grow.

“There are kids who are more in need than me. Not everyone is as fortunate,” said Westin, a student at Northwestern State University Elementary Lab School in Natchitoches, LA. He plays baseball, but has future plans to play basketball and football.

Westin chose to donate to the foundations formed by Saints players because of his love for the team. After meeting his role model for the first time at a training camp in 2018, Westin started saving up his money so he could impact peoples’ lives.

“I heard they had a foundation and I just want to help others,” said Westin. He already helps others on a regular basis, whether it’s sponsoring families in his community at Christmas so they can have presents to open or handing out food to families in Cozumel during his family’s annual vacation.

For his big donation Westin raised $600 by saving up his birthday, Christmas, and report card money. He also pet sat for neighbors and did other odd jobs.

After hearing about this incredible young man’s donation, Brees and Morstead decided to surprise Westin during a practice session. They told his father that Westin is the first kid to give them a donation like he did.

Westin go the VIP treatment with some one-on-one time with his favorite athletes. And the ice flew during a snow cone fight where it was Saints players versus their youngest fans. Westin received a signed Brees jersey and Morstead signed the #6 jersey Westin was wearing at the event.

When Saints player Ted Ginn Jr. heard that Westin had a goal to one day own his very own Saints helmet, he brought out an official helmet and presented it to Westin. Ginn, Brees, Morstead, Taysom Hill, and Cameron Jordan signed the helmet.

Westin has a long history with the Saints. His family has been going to games for the past 5 years. Westin has been on the field before two games at the Mercedes Benz Superdome and has taken a tour of the facility. There’s also an impressive collection of signed memorabilia they’ve collected over the years proudly on display in their home.

Perhaps one of their favorite items is a picture of Westin taken with Saints Owner Gayle Benson. As if taking this kind of photo wasn’t amazing enough, two days before the “no call” playoff game on Jan. 20 Westin received a signed copy of the photograph with a personal note from Benson.

“Mrs. Benson and her entire staff with the New Orleans Saints are so amazing and kind and it’s one of the many reasons why we love them,” said Westin and his father, a season ticket holder. That and the fun, crazy energy at the games and how they like to “Get Crunk” in the dome.

The mission of the Brees Dream Foundation is to improve the quality of life for cancer patients, and provide care, education and opportunities for children and families in need.

The mission of What You Give Will Grow is to improve the lives of those in need with a strong focus on children’s charities and cancer initiatives.

Pictured above on front row are Westin Key and his friend Caleb Bynog. On back from are Saints Quarterback Drew Brees, Tim and Lauren Key, and Saints Punter Thomas Morstead.

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The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office held a brief 9.11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Natchitoches Parish courthouse on Sept. 11 at 9:11 am in honor of law enforcement, fire, EMS and all of the heroes killed during the attacks on September 11, 2001.

“We will Never Forget that Day of Shock, Disbelief and the Unity it Brought Among Americans”.

Participating in the services were Pastor Tommy Rush of First Baptist Church on Second Street, Pastor Steven Harris of Abundant Life-International Church, Father John O’Brien of St. Anthony Padua Catholic Church and the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Honor Guard. The clergymen spoke prayers of peace. love and protection.

In attendance were: NPSO Deputies and NPDC, Mayor Lee Posey and City employees, NPD Officers, LSP Troopers, Louisiana Department of Corrections Probation and Parole Adult and Juvenile Services, NPSO and City Police dispatchers, Natchitoches District Attorney staff, Tenth Judicial District Court Judges Lala Sylvester and Desiree Dyess and staff, NSU Police, Natchitoches Fire Department, Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office, Natchitoches Fire District #6, Natchitoches Parish President Rick Nowlin and staff, Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court David Stamey and staff, Natchitoches Parish Tax Assessor Dollie Mahoney and staff, Natchitoches Parish Registrar of Voters Katherine Holden and staff, and members of the public.

Johnny Barnes, president of the Concerned Citizens Association for the Bailey Heights Community, along with De’Andrea “Coach D” Sanders and Linda Queen presented different law enforcement and first responder departments with certificates of appreciation for all the hard work they put into their jobs to protect the citizens of Natchitoches Parish.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office expressed its sincere appreciation to all that attended the event. Let us always remember in our prayers the families of our military, law enforcement, first responders and citizens that were killed on 9/11.

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Farm Bureau recognized Rodney Robinson #13 at Natchitoches Central High School as the Player of the Week. Robinson is a senior Running Back and Return Specialist. He had 7 carries for 90 years with 1 Touch Down, along with (1) 10 yard catch. Also, he had the Defensive Play of the Game. Rodney ran down the quarter back and forced a turn over.

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Northwestern State volleyball extended their home opener win streak to eight Tuesday with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-15) win versus Grambling State.

The Lady Demons saw 10 different players earn at least one kill in the match as they fought off an inspired Grambling side.

“Grambling was serving a little bit different than what we had seen the past couple weekends,” coach Sean Kiracofe said. “So anything different is going to take some adjusting to get used to. I thought we should have been able to pass better in sets one and two.

“We were finally able to make that adjustment and clean things up in the third and put ourselves in a position to pull away. Grambling fought hard and we gave them that belief that they were going to steal sets one or two and they showed it and fought for every point.”

Grambling led the majority of the opening set of the afternoon, but never putting more than two points between them and the Lady Demons at one time.

Down 16-14, NSU took control of the set with an 8-1 run featuring a string of six straight kills. Hannah Brister led the attack with three during the stretch followed by a pair from Reagan Lee. Lee slammed the set winner a few moments later and the Lady Demons were up 1-0.

It was a 6-1 run that put NSU in the driver seat early in the second, but the Lady Tigers stood their ground and worked to tie things at 17. A second 6-1 run in the set, with Kourtney Seaton providing a block assist and a pair of kills, pushed NSU ahead to finish the set 25-21.

In the third, another good serving rotation for freshman Haley Hoang gave the Lady Demons a big cushion, putting them up 11-3. NSU didn’t look back from the early lead, putting Grambling away quickly, finishing things with a 4-0 run to win 25-15.

Brister led all players with 13 kills, extending her streak of double-digit kill matches, with Seaton and Lee each providing eight. Hoang add four to her team best 12 services aces on the season. Megan Lohmiller had 17 digs and Sklar Besch 24 assists, both match highs.

NSU travels to College Station, Texas on Thursday to play in the Texas A&M Invitational. The Lady Demons take on Texas-Rio Grande Valley on Thursday and Texas A&M and Texas State on Friday.

Stay connected to Northwestern State volleyball by following @NSUDemonsVB on Twitter and Instagram or by liking Northwestern State volleyball on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Chris Reich, NSU Photographic Services

The Northwestern State University community paused at 8:46 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11 to honor individuals who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, their families and first responders. The university family observed a moment of silence, sang the national anthem and joined in reflection of Patriot Day and the meaning of freedom, liberty and faith. The tribute took place at the flagpoles at the center of campus with participation of NSU’s ROTC cadets. Members of the Student Government Association distributed American flag pins.

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Veterans, active duty soldiers and members of military families shared their experiences in panel discussions during Northwestern State University’s inaugural Living Library event that took place Sept. 11. The Living Library concept encourages individuals to share their experiences so that listeners get a first-hand account of what the person saw or lived through. The panels are recorded and become part of the collection that researchers can use to supplement books, journals and other traditional resources.

Panelists Wednesday were State Representative Lt. Col. Kenny Cox, Gen. George Peyton Cole, Col. Frank Hall, Staff Sgt. Brittany LaPoint, Col. Jeff Matthews, NSU Assistant Archivist Sharon Wolff, a military dependent, and Dr. Lisso Simmons, Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade.

During two separate sessions, each panelist provided perspectives on service, leadership, duty, comradery, traveling the world, taking part in historic events and personal sacrifice. Underlying themes were pride in America as the world’s greatest nation, a commitment to service and the impact military service had on their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Many repeated that despite hardships for them and their families, none regretted their service and were honored to be part of the U.S. armed forces.

The Living Library was hosted by NSU’s Eugene P. Watson Memorial Library, spearheaded by Deborah Huntington, head of Collection Development and Cataloging. The event was supported by NSU President and First Lady Dr. Chris and Jennifer Maggio, Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs, the NSU Foundation, NSU-TV, Sodexo and Watson Library.

Organizers plan to host a Watson’s Living Library Collection at least once per semester. The next Living Library, “Ben Johnson: A Natchitoches Legend” will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, in the NSU-TV Studio, Kyser Hall Room 138.

For more information about the Watson’s Living Library Collection, contact Huntington at (318) 357-6947.

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This morning, Sept. 11 at 7:15 am, Natchitoches Central students, faculty, and staff met at the flag pole and held a moment of silence to honor all those first responders and civilians hurt or killed on or as a result of the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001. The American Flag and Louisiana State Flag were raised and then lowered in remembrance of the victims of 9/11.

1st Sgt. Michael Selby and Lt. Col. Anthony Mault, Principal Bill Gordy, and student Jaylon Braxton, talked to the students about the importance of patriotism and the high cost of freedom.

“To me, patriotism means loving my country, and we should because this is the greatest country in the world,” said freshman Joshua Chesal.

Students were reminded not to take for granted the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the United States of America.

“The fact that we’re able to think the way we want, protest things we don’t agree with, and work to change certain aspects of our lives that could limit our freedom show that we live in a progressive and free society,” said freshman Mason Wardell.

NCHS students, faculty, and staff are proud to honor all those who have given their lives in service to our nation, not just on Patriot Day, but as part of our daily lives.

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Michael Ray Dyas
August 21, 2019
Arrangements TBA

Shirley Graham
September 11, 2019
Arrangements TBA

Nadine Dorsey
April 17, 1944 – September 6, 2019
Visitation: Saturday, September 14 from 9-11 am at the Agape Love Center Church, located at 1515 Texas Street in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, September 14 at 11 am at the Agape Love Center Church
Interment: New Light Baptist Church Cemetery of Marthaville

Roy E. Evans, Jr.
October 10, 1980 – September 06, 2019
Service: Saturday, September 14 at 2 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches
Interment: Rockford Baptist Church Cemetery

Charlene Armstead
September 05, 2019
Service: Saturday, September 14 at 2 pm at the Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church near Clarence

SABINE PARISH:

Shirley Ann Wells
January 4, 1936 – September 10, 2019
Visitation: Thursday, September 12 at 5 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Zwolle
Service: Friday, September 13 at 2 pm at First Baptist Church of Zwolle
Interment: Zwolle Cemetery

Dr. Robert Adam Brocato
March 12, 1982 – September 8, 2019
Visitation: Thursday, September 12 from 6-8 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many
Service: Friday, September 13 at 11 am at St. John’s Catholic Church in Many
Interment: Many Cemetery

Barbara Horton Phares
November 14, 1932 – September 10, 2019
Visitation: Friday, September 13 from 5-7 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many
Service: Saturday, September 14 at 10 am at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Many Cemetery

Dottie Jo Woodel
December 25, 1955 – September 10, 2019
Service: Saturday, September 14 at 2 pm at Warren Cemetery

WINN PARISH:

Oleta Cobb Hutchinson
September 14, 1961-September 7, 2019
Service: Saturday, September 14 at 4 pm at Couley UMC, located at 14245 Hwy. 84 in Winnfield

Rheanee Horn
August 29, 1962 – September 07, 2019|
Visitation: Thursday, September 12 from 12-2 pm at Union Hill Baptist Church near Montgomery
Service: Thursday, September 12 at 2 pm at Union Hill Baptist Church
Interment: Mount Zion Cemetery

Anna Bell Taylor
May 10, 1921 – September 05, 2019
Visitation: Thursday, September 12 from 9-11 am at Southern Funeral Home
Service: Thursday, September 12 at 11 am at Southern Funeral Home
Interment: Bethlehem Cemetery in Calvin

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Enrollment at Northwestern State this fall of 10,900 is the second highest in the university’s 135-year history. Student registration is down slightly from last year’s record enrollment of 11,081.

Northwestern’s enrollment has increased by 21 percent over the past five years at a time when college and university enrollment nationwide has declined for seven consecutive years.

NSU president Dr. Chris Maggio said, “The university continues to expand and enhance academic programs, upgrade facilities and provide improved services for students to enrich the experiences of the growing number of students enrolled at Northwestern in recent years.”

Maggio said, “There is an atmosphere of enthusiasm at Northwestern that reflects the recognition by students of ongoing innovative initiatives to assure that they are engaged in meaningful academic and extracurricular programs.”

He cited the recent development of more than 20 certificate programs at post bachelor’s and master’s levels in response to demands from students and area employers and approval of a master’s program in the university’s nationally-acclaimed computer information systems curriculum.

The Northwestern president said the university’s positive impact on health care in the region “continues to grow as a result of increased enrollment in Nursing and Allied Health programs and expanded partnerships with private health care industries.”

Maggio said building renovations, campus road improvements and other infrastructure upgrades have accompanied NSU’s enrollment gains since 2014 and that other enhancements in the physical plant are under way.

“Enrollment growth during that period and many of the physical improvements have been made possible,” Maggio said, “by increased financial support from alumni and friends for scholarships and other purposes.”

Northwestern continues to expand services for students. A Chick-fil-A restaurant has been added to the NSU Marketplace, and work is nearing completion on a Steak ‘n Shake restaurant in the Student Union.

A new e-sports venue is planned for the Student Union building, an entertainment stage has been completed near the main campus dining facility and the 1,400-seat A.A. Fredericks Auditorium used by the Creative and Performing Arts program is being renovated this fall.

Maggio said Northwestern and other universities in Louisiana and across the nation “have faced challenges in increasing their enrollment in recent years because of soaring tuition costs and other factors.”

He said, “It is encouraging and certainly a tribute to the university’s faculty and staff that Northwestern had the second highest enrollment in its history this fall and that the student population has grown by more than 20 percent in this climate in which higher education enrollment continues to decline across the nation.”

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Roger H. Williams/Opinion

Approximately two years ago Rick Nowlin approached several citizens to prepare a study in regard to the condition of the Natchitoches Parish Roads and a possible solution as to how to solve this issue.

I served as Chairman of the committee, and Alan McMurtry was Vice Chair. The two of us represented Natchitoches.

Charles Cloud, Goldonna
Donna Isaacs, Campti
John Masson, Cloutierville
Wayne Pleasant, Marthville

These six represented the Natchitoches Parish Road Study Committee.

Many hours of study and research went into this project. A written report was prepared and submitted to the President and Council. The report included:

1) Securing funds necessary for maintaining and repairing the roads.
2) Equipment necessary for road repairs.
3) Personnel needed to accomplish the job.

The Council chose not to act and consequently nothing was done, thus the roads remain in a deplorable condition and a solution as to how to fix them remains elusive. The voters of Natchitoches Parish could have had a chance to vote on these recommendations if they had been given the opportunity. It was never put on the ballot of the next election.

One member of the road committee, Alan McMurtry, is now running for Parish Council District #3. Alan is a graduate of NSU and has a Masters Degree in Finance.

He moved to Houston Texas and as a Certified Public Account spent years working in the financial business arena, raising money for capital projects and assisting corporations in raising funds through bond issues.

I worked with Alan McMurtry on the road committee and I found him to be an excellent team member. He is a very good communicator with an impressive background in finance and corporate matters. Alan would be a most valuable member of the Natchitoches Parish Government.

Therefore I heartily endorse Alan McMurtry for election to Parish Council District #3 and I ask that you give him your consideration and vote in the October 12, 2019 election

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The Natchitoches Historic Foundation held an event titled “Celebrate and Tailgate” on Sept. 10 at its offices on Second Street. Attendees were decked out in purple and orange, although there may have been some purple and gold present too.

Natchitoches Historic Foundation President Terri Cunningham announced new members, which included: Ray McDowell, Nancy Rutledge, Beth Prejean, Susan Wright, and Cheryl Dupree.

There was a silent auction with NSU and LSU wreaths. But the main reason everyone was gathered was for the release of the NHF’s wonderful coffee table book “Christmas Along Cane River.” This book began with an idea from Cathy Seymour, was brought into fruition by Angela Eversull and Connie Melder, and was brought to life with photos by Rachel Leigh Procell.

Frank Hall presented scholarships to the three applicants the NHF was able to narrow their search down to. Originally they were going to choose one student, but the applicants’ qualifications made this a hard task. So in the end three NSU students received a $1,000 Mildred Hart Bailey scholarship. The award is for students with an interest in historic preservation who wish to undertake a project related to that field.

Bailey Quick is a junior criminal justice major from Chestnut. She started her own genealogy business creating binders on peoples’ families, which led her to the idea for her project to start a genealogy class for the Natchitoches community.

Cody Ashworth is a junior history major from Glenmora. His project will entail processing the Martha Madden Collection into the Cammie G. Henry Research Center at the Watson Memorial Library at NSU.

Jessica Mullican, from DeRidder, is double majoring in communications and business. Her project is called “Scanning Saturdays,” which helps preserve history by digitizing photos and other memorabilia to preserve it for future generations.

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Engage Federal Credit Union (EFCU) is offering its members a new hassle-free way to buy a car without the burdensome task of searching dealerships for the right car at the best price. EFCU has partnered with Auto Link™, powered by TrueCar® to offer this exclusive benefit that takes care of all of the legwork that comes with searching for a new car.

How does it work?

Simply call us at 318-238-7762 or visit our branch to complete an auto loan preapproval application (or online – see link below).  Once pre-approved, you will know how much car you can afford. Select options online including make, model, and details for your next car. TrueCar® will find you the lowest price for the car you want with the options you selected. TrueCar® even allows you to research vehicles, find local dealers, take virtual test drives and more.

“Purchasing a new car has never been easier,” says Kathy Deloney, CEO of EFCU. “Not only can we help you find your car and take care of all the paperwork – we can finance your new or used vehicle purchase at a great low rate”, adds Kathy.

In addition to the convenient and money-saving Auto Buying Service, those who finance auto loans through the credit union will receive the added value of a three-year membership to myEZCarCare® which includes the following member benefits:

Auto Maintenance and Travel Discounts

Auto discounts on repair, service, and maintenance at over 10,000 locations nationwide
Travel discounts at over 75,000 premium hotels and resorts
Discounts on Avis and Budget rental cars
Discounts on Six Flags and Sea World
TripBeat discounted vacation resorts — over 2,000 resorts in 90 countries
Electronic Glovebox® and Mobile App

Service and payment reminders via email/mobile app
Updating of service records by some service providers
Digital tools to view and print service history
Recall notices and safety information at your fingertips

Not an EFCU member?

That’s easy to remedy. Become a member for $5 and mention this ad during the month of September or October when you apply for a loan or open a new checking account, and we will pay your membership fee for you! Sign up today to start reaping the rewards of membership.

Call us at 318-238-7762 or visit us at 256 HWY 3175 or, go to Engage Online, at www.engagefcu.org for a membership application and for more information.

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After nearly 40 years of success as a local business owner, Rodney Schamerhorn seeks to serve District 24 as their State Representative.

Schamerhorn graduated from Hicks High School in Vernon Parish, attended Louisiana College and Northwestern State University, and began his own trucking, demolition, and dirt business in 1984. Rodney’s company, Schamerhorn, Inc. has been continually recognized as a leader in the industry. In addition to his company’s work for better solutions for construction waste and improved recycling methods for our region, they continue to serve the individual needs of local residents. Rodney has also served our communities in various ways as a Police Juror, serving organizations such as the Jaycees, Lions Club, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4-H, Louisiana and the National Cattleman’s Association, and currently serves as a Board Member for the Louisiana Solid Waste Association and Louisiana’s Safety Director for Solid Waste of North America.

While his career may be decorated with many accolades, it is not something you will find Schamerhorn boasting about. His greatest desire is to use the skills he has learned along the way to better our state. “It is time for change in Louisiana and I am ready to dedicate my full- time effort to serving the interests of you, the members of this great District,” Schamerhorn says.

Rodney and Tammy have two adult children and one grandchild. Tammy is a retired school teacher and also a small business owner. Their children, Chris and Randi, are both graduates of Simpson High School and Northwestern State University. Chris is co-owner and CEO of Schamerhorn, Inc and Schamerhorn C/D Landfill. He and his wife, Heather, along with their daughter Olivia, live in the Hicks community. Randi, a former 3-term school board member in Vernon Parish, is also a small business owner, along with her husband, Guide and Pro Fisherman, Darold Gleason. They reside in Many on Toledo Bend Lake.

Schamerhorn has several topics on his plan for reform. Many of the challenges and issues voiced by members of this district can be traced back to one very important, yet highly-avoided topic by many legislators – wasteful spending. Schamerhorn believes it has become an epidemic and he has spent countless hours studying our government’s spending. According to Rodney, the bridge to better education, healthcare, infrastructure (roads, bridges, etc), and less taxes is hidden in the decisions of government spending. It’s critical we elect people who can effectively manage resources to not overextend our hard-earned taxpayer dollars and elect someone who believes in financial transparency.

Schamerhorn believes it is also imperative that a representative carries your agenda to Baton Rouge and not his/her personal agenda. Over the last several months, Rodney has diligently listened to the concerns of constituents and that’s what he pledges to continue to do.

Rising insurance costs and tort reform have been a major concern of constituents which would also reduce the number of companies that are leaving Louisiana. Our current legislative choices have resulted in Louisiana having the second highest auto insurance rates in the United States. Another insurance concern is access to affordable health insurance. As a father of a child with a genetic, terminal illness, Rodney knows this issue all too well. Rodney believes our citizens deserve more options for affordable health insurance and should not be penalized for pre- existing conditions.

Our district’s most dominant industry is the timber industry. Rodney believes it is time this industry has the support and representation by someone who understands the intricacies of this field and the many challenges and frustrations that could be alleviated by new legislation.

Rodney, raised by his grandparents, learned at a very early age how to work hard, have tenacity in the face of adversity, serve and give generously to others, and stay true to a conservative upbringing. Rodney serves and worships at East Leesville Baptist Church. He is pro-life, pro- 2nd amendment, and believes that small businesses are the backbone of our communities. Schamerhorn’s greatest desire is to bring positive change to our communities that the hardworking constituents of this district so desperately deserve.

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The public is invited to celebrate Lakeview’s brand new track with the official ribbon cutting during half time of this Friday night’s home football game against Lena-Northwood at 7 pm. Lakeview is excited to share with the public the completion of the track that will enable Lakeview’s track and field team to become competitive on the local, regional, and state levels.

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The Rotary Club enjoyed lunch at the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center (NRMC) on Sept. 10 as the Leadership Team presented updates on the NRMC successes and service expansions.

Pictured from left are Chief Executive Officer Kirk Soileau, Developmental Relations Halie Errington, Vice President of Business Development and Philanthropy Tom Matuschka, Director of Physician & Community Relations Cathy Jacobs, and Rotary President David Guillet. Not pictured Director of Emergency Medical Services Lawrence Atteridge (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

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