Students at NSU Elementary Lab School received Terrific Kid certificates from the Natchitoches Kiwanis Club for the month of February recognizing them for their character development, self-esteem and perseverance. Pictured on front row are Finley Frederick, Maci Shivers, and Lincoln Brumley. On middle row are Evinizo Eleyae, Addison McGrath, Aubryn Dawson, and Caleb Matt. On back row are Harper Trichell, Mckenzie Morgan, and Daniel Rachal. pictured with them are Camille Armstrong, Caron Coleman, and Henry Rachal.

NATCHITOCHES:
Steve Wiggins
May 14, 1948 – February 21, 2020
Visitation: Thursday, February 27 from 3:30-5:30 pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Interment: McCaskill Cemetery

Crawford Ficklin, Jr.
February 23, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Mary Jane Jackson Parker
February 22, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Carol Taylor Mondello
November 09, 1938 – February 19, 2020
Visitation: Monday, February 24 from 5-9 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Tuesday, February 25 at 10 am at St. Francis Catholic Church in Powhattan
Interment: Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum in Natchitoches

Anna Lou Evans Beasley
February 7, 1918 – February 18, 2020
Service: Saturday, February 29 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Interment: Weaver Cemetery in Flora

Cleveland Lewis
February 15, 2020
Arrangements TBA

The Natchitoches Parish School Board will continue their final interviews of the candidates for superintendent this evening at 4 pm.  The interviews are open to the public.

SEE CANDIDATES APPLICATIONS – CLICK HERE

The Natchitoches Parish journal will live stream the interviews starting at 3:55 pm.

WATCH the last the last TWO nights of  The Natchitoches Parish School Board interviews of the  candidates for superintendent.    You can watch all VIDEOS below:

Rhodes Properties and Development, and Rhodes Realty are each $1,000 sponsors for the 5th Annual Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Bass Tournament, which will be held on Saturday, March 28 at Cypress Bend on Toledo Bend Lake.

“We are proud to be a part of the tournament every year,” Said Justin Rhodes. “Dylan was one of our own, part of our family, and we are honored to keep his legacy alive.”

The tournament will feature raffles, food, DJ, a bouncer for kids, and family fun for all! All proceeds will go to fund the Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Foundation which is set up through Northwestern State University.

The Dylan Kyle Poche Scholarship is presented each spring to a graduating senior who plans to be a member of the Northwestern State University Fishing Team. If no eligible applicants apply for the scholarship, the funds will go to support the NSU Fishing Team and its activities. This scholarship was established to provide funds for young anglers who possesses a passion for competitive fishing. Through this scholarship the memory of Dylan Kyle Poche will live on forever.

Applicants can apply online by visiting our website www.dylankylepoche.com

Natashia Jackson’s record-setting weekend landed her another round of honors from the Southland Conference on Wednesday.

Jackson, a senior from Houston, established a conference indoor record time of 53.65 in the 400 meters at the Arkansas Tyson Invitational on Friday. Coupled with her school indoor record time of 23.98 in the 200 meters, it was enough to land Jackson her second Southland Conference Indoor Track Athlete of the Week honor this season.

A product of Houston’s DeKaney High School, Jackson ranks 31st nationally in the 400 meters with her SLC record mark. In addition to her individual exploits, Jackson ran the opening leg of the 4×400 meter relay, which clocked the second-fastest indoor time in school history (3:42.52).

Jackson’s lead leg time of 53.83 in the 400 relay would tie for 44th nationally if run in an open 400 meters.

Her 200 meter time is .01 off the SLC lead this season, trailing only Imani Nave of Stephen F. Austin.

Jackson’s honor marks the fourth individual award of the indoor season for the Lady Demons. Jasmyn Steels has claimed pair of SLC Indoor Field Athlete of the Week nods.

Photo Credit: Jameria Smith/NSU Athletics

My niece had a thing about closets. Mother testified that when Lindsay would stay with her, the little girl would find a closet and drag the contents of the closet into the room. We never discovered the source of her fascination with closets. For twenty years mom hid a closet from Lindsay. The way the doors in her house were arranged provided a way to hide the closet in the family room. It was “behind the door.” Katie’s kids knew the closet was there, because the vacuum cleaner resided in that closet. Vacuuming the house was a childhood chore for Katie’s three kids.

When mom died and we were cleaning out the house, we cleaned out that closet. Lindsay was present when we revealed the closet. She’s been in and out of that house for twenty years and never knew the closet was there. We told her the story of her closet dumping and why mom didn’t want her in the family room closet. She was amused and moved to hear the family tell of grandma hiding the closet from her.

Last weekend my bride was in Natchitoches. She and her mom came down to start the packing process. She created several piles of stuff that I am to take to Good Will. There are other stacks in the house known as “Garage Sale.” I believe that Garage Sales are an abomination before the Lord God Almighty and probably do damage to one’s spiritual life. My bride loves putting on Garage Sales. She has one every time we move. She is planning a nuclear Garage Sale on Mother’s Day weekend. You might want to pay attention, because if it isn’t nailed down, bolted down, or related to us, we are selling it that weekend.

She started in the back of the house and worked her way forward. She ignored the Hobby Lobby closet in the hallway. It is a huge closet in the hallway. It is a bit of Kaffie Frederick, Sherwin-Williams, Williams Sonoma, and Hobby Lobby. Everything is in that closet! She put crime scene tape over the door and told me to stay out. She would clean that closet.

When she arrived at the kitchen, she filled the counter with every plastic cup we have collected in Natchitoches. Lots of places in our town have their logo on plastic cups. There were several caught at various parades. She had every nook and cranny in the kitchen stuffed with stuff. Expired spices and plastic cups were discarded. I learned that spices expire. Who knew that the Oregano from 2006 was no good?

All the cabinet doors were opened. There was a trash bag in the floor that was filled to brim with stuff I could throw away. The doors in the cabinets above the sink were opened too. I have lived in that house for ten years. I have watered plants, filled doggy water bowls, washed dishes, filled pans with water and looked out the windows at the kitchen sink. I even hung the light above the sink! I never noticed the two-cabinet doors above the sink. They are small doors and small storage spaces; I didn’t know they were there. Some of her most valuable kitchen things were “hidden” above the sink.

How can you miss a cabinet above the sink? I guess I failed to look up.

I remembered mom hiding a closet from my niece Lindsay.  I am looking around the church to see if there are other things I have missed. In this case, I am guilty of not paying close attention.

I think my Lenten discipline will be giving up distraction.

BOMFS is a sponsor of the Natchitoches Home and Garden Expo on Saturday, February 29 from 10am – 4pm at the Natchitoches Events Center.

In the photo from left to right: Jennifer Sims, Gina Banks, Laura Lyles, Darlene Knecht, Karen Gardner, and Maggie Matusckha.

By Rickey LaCour

As Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring and as tourism has been up in Natchitoches, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission is prepared to answer the call for things to experience in Natchitoches with a plethora of events and activities in the coming months.

One of the main events discussed at the NHDDC meeting on Feb. 20 was that Natchitoches will host the Lady Bass Anglers Association’s 10th Anniversary Tournament March 27-28 on Cane Rive Lake.

This event will draw in women and their supporters from all over with the interest in fishing Cane River Lake for a chance at a grand prize. These woman have already started gracing Natchitoches with their presence to start scouting the river and gather as much information as possible to better their chances at a win. Although this is a competition to those who participate, it’s encouraged that community and visitors come out to enjoy and be a part of the festivities.

Other Upcoming Events Include:

Feb. 29
Natchitoches Home & Garden Show and Expo
Coffee and Conversation

March 7
Children’s Painting Workshop
Reading on the River

March 14
Bloomin’ on the Bricks
Art Along the Bricks
Steel Magnolia Run

March 20–21
3rd Annual Cane River Film Festival
6th Annual NYP Pub Crawl

April 3
Flavor of Louisiana

April 4
Natchitoches Dragon Boat Races
Briarwood Annual Picnic

April 17
Relay on the Cane’s “Hope Fest”

April 19
46th Annual Melrose Plantation Arts and Crafts Festival

For more information on these events call the Natchitoches Visitor’s Bureau at 800-259-1714.

Northwestern State University’s School of Biological and Physical Sciences will present “Astronomy: What’s Out There” at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 at Natchitoches Parish Library, 450 Second St.

Professor Michael Scanlan will present a guided tour of the Solar System and beyond, showing planets, galaxies, nebulae and more. His talk will include interesting features, explain how the universe works, mysteries and answer questions.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Scanlan at scanlanm@nsula.edu.

The event is the second in a series of outreach programs that NSU’s School of Biological and Physical Sciences is hosting for the public. In March, Dr. Cynthia Doffitt will be present a workshop on parasites in Louisiana. In April, Dr. Yohaselly Santiago will present a workshop on nanotechnology

Cane River Lake is currently at 99.1 MSL and rising. The lake is now closed to boating traffic for safety reasons due to high water levels. Sibley Lake boat ramps are also closed.

Cane River Lake:
Pool Stage: 98.0 MSL
Flood Stage: 99.0 MSL
Re-opening Stage: 98.5 MSL and falling
Cane River Lake spillway gates are open
Red River gates located at Hampton lake are closed.

For questions regarding Cane River Lake contact Betty Fuller at 318-617-3235.

Outpatient Medical Center Inc. donated to the community by sponsoring the Boys to Men Club of Natchitoches Junior High School Frankie Ray. The Boys to Men Club is a local organization for young men to learn life skills as they journey through junior high in preparation for high school and life beyond grade school. It is important to OMC Inc. to support the community it serves in as many different facets as possible. For the past 43 years, OMC Inc. has prided itself on supporting Natchitoches parish and surrounding parishes. Carl I. Walters II., Chief Executive Officer of OMC Inc., offered comments saying “Outpatient Medical Center Inc. has been and remains 100% committed to supporting community advocacy efforts designed to improve the health and well-being of our valued community families. We applaud this wonderful program designed to help our community young men grow into positive, contributing, productive members of society. We all need to get more involved to help elevate the social, health and economic well-being for everyone in our community.”

OMC Inc. offers its medical, dental and behavioral health services to anyone in need of them. The community is encouraged to make an appointment at OMC Inc. by calling 318-352-9299. OMC Inc. has health centers in Natchitoches, Leesville (337-238-1274), Tallulah (318-574-1453) and Mansfield (Desoto Healthcare Clinic 318-871-1633).

NSU– Here is a look at the week of Feb. 23-29 at Northwestern State University.

Feb. 23 – Women’s tennis vs. Texas San Antonio, Jack Fisher Tennis Complex

Feb. 23 – Baseball vs. North Alabama, Brown-Stroud Field

Feb. 24-25 – Mardi Gras holiday

Feb. 26 – Classes resume at 12 noon.

Feb. 26 – Louisiana Piano Series International presents Alexandra Mascolo-David, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 28 – Baseball vs. Eastern Illinois, Brown-Stroud Field

Feb. 29 – Native American beading workshop, Williamson Museum, Kyser Hall, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Feb. 29 – Baseball vs. Eastern Illinois, Brown-Stroud Field

Feb. 29 – Faculty recital featuring Oliver Molina, “The Percussion Music of Marc Mellits,” Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.

The City of Natchitoches would like to advise the public the Krewe of Wag-uns Children and Pet Parade will be rolling through downtown Natchitoches on Saturday, February 22nd beginning at 3:00 p.m. The parade is open to all pet owners and awards will be given for Best Float, Best Dressed Pet, and Best Dressed Child. Registration begins at 2:00 p.m. at Bank of Montgomery on Washington Street. Entry fee is $10.00.

The parade route is as follows: Depart Bank of Montgomery (Washington Street) à Front Street à Rue Touline à Ending at Rue Beauport Riverbank Stage

Front Street will close to traffic shortly before 3:00 p.m. until the parade passes. During this street closure, traffic may detour via the adjacent network of City streets. All motorists traveling near the parade route are encouraged to exercise caution and follow law enforcement instructions.

For more information, please contact the City Hall at (318) 352-2772.

Students in grades 1-2 at L.P. Vaughn received Terrific Kid certificates from the Natchitoches Kiwanis Club for the month of February recognizing them for their character development, self-esteem and perseverance.

Pictured on front row from left are Malaysia Angelle, Uvel Hernandez, Marciana Williams, Peyton Burns, Jayvion Edwards, Harmony Remo, Amyrah Shields, G’Nyriah Conday, and John Beckwith. On back row are Devonte’ Jefferson, Carlito Beaudion, Nehemiah McHenry, Bryson Middleton, Christian Scott, Jayden Brister, Jaliyah Llorance, and Melanie Lewis. Pictured with them are Principal-Sandy Irchirl and Kiwanian-Heather Martin. Not pictured are Lauren Godfrey and Mason Smith.

Sharon Harris, Director of the Natchitoches Parish Office of Community Services, announced changes to the hours of operation for her department. The new business hours will be:

Monday:  7:00 a.m.—4:30 p.m.
Tuesday:  7:00 a.m.—4:30 p.m.
Wednesday:  7:00 a.m.—4:30 p.m.
Thursday:  7:00 a.m.—4:30 p.m.
Friday:  7:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.

These changes will take effect on Monday, Feb. 24. If you have questions about the new times, please feel free to contact the Office of Community Services at 318.357.2220.

NATCHITOCHES:
Carol Taylor Mondello
November 09, 1938 – February 19, 2020
Visitation: Monday, February 24 from 5-9 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Tuesday, February 25 at 10 am at St. Francis Catholic Church in Powhattan
Interment: Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum in Natchitoches

Anna Lou Evans Beasley
February 07, 1918 – February 18, 2020
Service: Saturday, February 29 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Interment: Weaver Cemetery in Flora

Melba Masson Ackel
January 19, 1928 – February 18, 2020
Visitation: Saturday, February 22 from 5-7 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Sunday, February 23 at 2 pm at The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Interment: Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum in Natchitoches

Doris Roge’
April 16, 1937 – February 17, 2020
Service: Friday, February 21 at 10 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville
Interment: Cloutierville Catholic Cemetery

Katherine Tonnas
October 23, 1950 – February 18, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Jimmie Achord Wynn
September 4, 1937 – February 16, 2020
Visitation: Friday, February 21 from 1-2:45 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Friday, February 21 at 3 pm at Fern Park Cemetery in Natchitoches

Cameron Harville
February 17, 2020
Service: Saturday, February 22 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church Cemetery

Cleveland Lewis
February 15, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Eyvette Harris
February 15, 2020
Service: Saturday, February 22 at 11 am at the Abundant Life Ministries Church on Ben Drive in Natchitoches
Interment: Lawrence Serenity Sanctum

Delores Chevalier Sylvie
October 18, 1930 – January 22, 2020
Service: Saturday, January 25 at 11 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Natchez

SABINE:
Kathryn Elaine Martinez
March 9, 1951 – February 20, 2020
Visitation: Saturday, February 22 at 10 am at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many
Service: Saturday, February 22 at 1 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Prospect Cemetery

RED RIVER:
Robie Longino
December 27, 1946 – February 18, 2020
Visitation: Friday, February 21 from 9:30-11:30 am at Open Door Fellowship Church
Service: Friday, February 21 at 11:30 am at Open Door Fellowship Church
Interment: Bethany Cemetery

Erma Ruth Tyler Scallion
July 30, 1949 – February 20, 2020
Visitation: Friday, February 21 from 5-8 pm at Creston Baptist Church
Service: Saturday, February 22 at 1 pm at Creston Baptist Church
Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery

WINN PARISH:
Helen Jordan Millican
October 15, 1934 – February 19, 2020
Service: Saturday, February 22 at 1 pm at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church

The Natchitoches Parish School Board informed partents that the Goldonna Elementary and Junior High School will be closed today, Thursday, February 20, 2020.

No Electricity
Poor Road Conditions

SEE BELOW

Thursday, February 20, 2020 8:04 AM
02/20/2020

Emergency Road Closure Due to Flooding/ High Water
La 153: from La 9 to La 155**
Natchitoches Parish
Control Section No. 088-01

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, (DOTD), advises the public effective immediately La 153, from La 9 to La 155, in Natchitoches Parish, is closed due to flooding/ high water.

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

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

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

Media Contact
Ms. Erin Buchanan
Public Information Officer
District 08: Avoyelles, Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon, and Winn Parishes
Office: (318) 549-8402
Email: erin.buchanan@la.gov

Parish Contact
Penny Niette
Parish Highway Maintenance Superintendent
Office: (318) 357-3161
Email: penny.niette@la.gov

The Natchitoches Parish School Board will continue their interviews of the  candidates for superintendent this evening at 4 pm.  The interviews are open to the public.

SEE CANDIDATES APPLICATIONS – CLICK HERE

The Natchitoches Parish journal will live stream the interviews starting at 3:55 pm.

Last night The Natchitoches Parish School Board interviewed 5 of the  candidates for superintendent.    You can watch the PART ONE and PART TWO VIDEOs from last nights process below:

Natchitoches Central boys basketball wrapped up a District 1-5A Championship Tuesday night with a 65-57 win over 2nd place Capt. Shreve Gators. It was a top 10 matchup as the #1 Chiefs traveled to #8 Capt. Shreve. The Chiefs were led in scoring by Devonte Snow with 23 pts, 8 rebs, and 8 steals. Also scoring for the Chiefs were: Nathan Curtis 18 pmts and 4 steals; Aydrion Brown had 11 pts, 6 rebs and 5 assts.

The Chiefs overall record is now 26-2 and 12-0 in district play. The Chiefs will finish out the regular season with two home games Friday, Feb. 21 and Saturday, Feb. 22.

Friday nights game vs Parkway HS will start at 6 pm in the Teepee.
Saturday’s game will be Senior Night as the Chiefs celebrate 5 seniors in the home finale. Saturday’s game vs Southwood HS will begin at 7 pm.
Come out and support these young men and this program as they get ready for the playoffs.

Thursday evening at 6 pm, local hunters can get free insight into what it’s like to stalk a big game trophy at 13,000 feet or on the African plains.

The “Big Game Hunting” program is open to all at no charge in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum, located at the traffic circle on Front Street.

Shawn Daily, a longtime Edward Jones financial advisor in Natchitoches, will be joined by 13-year-old Kaylee Stacy, an NSU Middle Lab School cheerleader, as the featured guests.

The program is the second in a series presented in conjunction with the new outdoors exhibit showcased through the end of September in the museum. The “Lunkers and Specklebellies: Bass Fishing and Waterfowl Hunting” display is in the Atmos Energy gallery at the rear of the first floor of the 27,000-square foot structure at 800 Front Street.

Daily holds numerous big game records with Safari Club International for his exploits on several continents. A Natchitoches resident for 45 years, he is a U.S. Navy veteran who has been extensively involved in supporting Northwestern State University and many more local causes. He is a Ducks Unlimited member.

Daily, 73, was an avid hunter of deer, ducks and other common wildlife for many years when his son proposed a big game expedition to him in 1999. It unlocked a newfound passion that has carried him from Alaska to the African plains.

Stacy, an eighth-grader, last month received the Dallas Safari Club’s Colin Caruthers Young Hunter Award for hunting and academic achievement, along with community service and leadership. She has enjoyed hunts with her parents, Russell and Mary Edith Stacy, in North America, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

On the second floor of the museum, which will be open to guests during the free program, are more exhibits and videos focusing on hunting and fishing, including a tribute to the late Natchitoches resident Grits Gresham, a world-renowned outdoorsman and conservationist. Gresham was host of the ABC Sports television program “The American Sportsman” for 13 years in the 1970s and 1980s, including numerous segments focusing on big game hunting.

Thursday’s program is presented by FLASH (Friends of Louisiana Sports and History), the local support group for the museum, and the Louisiana State Museum system. Jennae Biddiscombe is the branch manager of the Hall of Fame museum and can be reached at 318-357-2493 for more information.

The museum’s regular open hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., with admission prices of $6 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, military personnel and students. Groups of 15 or more with reservations receive a 20% discount and student groups with reservations are free.